Chief Accountant

Chief Accountant | Africa Team | Nairobi

Sistema.bio, we work with farmers to improve life on Earth.

At Sistema.bio, we firmly believe that the transition to renewable energy, the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the adoption of regenerative farming are essential to ensuring a thriving world for current and future generations.

We empower family farms across Africa, Asia, and Latin America with innovative biodigester and biofertilizer technology, alongside training, customer service, and financing, enabling them to become more independent and productive.

Our mission drives action at the intersection of food security, social justice, and climate change.

You have the opportunity to become an integral part of this impactful story!

Your mission at Sistema.bio:

 The Chief Accountant will oversee accounting operations and ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded and in line with accounting standards. As a finance leader, you will help shape and implement the company’s overall accounting strategy, ensuring 100% legal and fiscal compliance and building a well-structured, high-performing team. 

You’ll be in charge of:

• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management: Plan cash flow so expenses are paid on time and within budget, oversee receivables, payables, and inventory controls in Odoo, and ensure proper reconciliations are in place, targeting 100% accuracy on cost allocation and alignment with the budget.
• Taxation & Statutory Compliance: Oversee the company's tax obligations in Kenya, including timely preparation and submission of returns as per the KRA calendar, tax audits, assessments, and correspondence with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), while monitoring changes in tax legislation and maintaining complete tax records.
• Accounting Operations & Controls: Manage day-to-day accounting in line with IFRS and company policies, lead the statutory audit and liaise with external auditors, monitor compliance with accounting policies and procedures, safeguard company assets, and oversee inventory management with monthly stock-take support, keeping write-offs below KES 0.5M per month with no material audit issues arising from processes.
• Process Improvement: Maintain the integrity of the Odoo system, ensuring data integrity and system controls, lead automation and efficiency initiatives (aiming for a gradual 10% reduction in time or transactions), and document processes to support training.
• Team Management: Coach and mentor the team, keep their skills and knowledge up to date through training, and ensure every role has an updated JD and CF and a development plan, supported by regular performance reviews.

More about YOU:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• CPA-K qualification or an equivalent professional qualification in Finance/Accounting.
• Experience in ERP ( Odoo is an added advantage)
• Minimum 4 years in a finance and accounting department, with experience in ledger and cash flow management.
• Proven leadership and strong team management experience, including working with a multicultural team.
• Multinational work experience.
• Strong communication skills, a compliance focus, and keen attention to detail.
• Passionate about numbers and data; honest, empathetic, energetic, and a problem solver with a doer mindset and a desire to positively impact the environment.

Other important details:

• This is a full-time position based in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Starting as soon as possible.
• Reports to the Financial Controller and manages the Accountant and Senior Accountant.

What we offer: 

✨ Passion and Purpose:
Join a dynamic social impact company, certified B Corp, and immerse yourself in an environment where passion, a strong mission, and collaborative spirit converge. 

🌍 Global Team, Local Impact: Be part of our incredible international team comprising over 300 colleagues across 3 continents. Experience the power of working together toward a common goal that transcends borders. 

🍃Balance matters: We understand that your best work comes from a rested and healthy state. Embrace our commitment to work-life balance with a flexible and accommodating work environment designed to suit your needs.

👐 Embrace diversity: Join a vibrant workplace with colleagues representing more than 15 nationalities. At Sistema.bio, inclusivity and diversity are not just values; they are the essence of our culture.

🌱 Grow with us: We foster an autonomous work environment that empowers you to contribute, develop, and take ownership of your projects and work. Join our team of doers in a fast-paced environment where there are plenty of opportunities to grow and learn. 

🐄 Farmers are at the heart of what we do: Our mission, strategies, and day-to-day operations revolve around supporting farmers. We are committed to creating a positive impact on their lives, ensuring our work is always aligned with their needs and challenges.

Our values are FIRE 🔥

Farmer-Centric: We are inspired by the passion and hard work of farmers in all we do

Impact-driven: We are focused on cultivating positive change on Earth

Resourceful: We are proactive and efficient, weeding out challenges as they pop up

Ethical: Trust, transparency, reliability, and respect to cultivate healthy relationships

Your journey with us is not just a job; it's a chance to make a lasting impact.

Sistema.bio is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.