Job Purpose
The Projects Accountant serves as the financial custodian overseeing all project activities, tasked with comprehensive financial oversight—spanning budget development, cost monitoring, and final account reconciliation to audit preparedness. This position ensures financial precision, regulatory adherence, and clarity within a fast-paced, multi-project contracting landscape, collaborating closely with project managers, quantity surveyors, and on-site personnel to meticulously record, validate, and disclose every financial transaction in real time. A critical requirement of this role is the proficiency to utilize digital and IT solutions to streamline, consolidate, and enhance financial transparency throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Oversee a wide range of critical duties, including managing daily operations to ensure efficiency, coordinating with cross-functional teams to foster collaboration, maintaining compliance with industry regulations, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance organizational performance. Additionally, supervise staff performance, develop and implement policies to improve workflow, and report progress to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving business demands.
Develop comprehensive financial strategies and allocate resources efficiently to ensure project success within designated budgetary constraints. Conduct detailed financial analyses to forecast expenditures, monitor actual spending against projections, and identify variances requiring corrective action. Prepare and present budget reports to stakeholders, highlighting key financial metrics and recommendations for optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial plans with project objectives, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the budgeting lifecycle. Utilize advanced financial tools and methodologies to enhance decision-making and drive sustainable cost management practices.
Oversee the development, execution, and continuous evaluation of project-specific financial plans in accordance with Bills of Quantities (Boys), contractual valuations, and project schedules.
Prepare dynamic financial forecasts on a recurring basis—monthly and quarterly—by integrating adjustments in project scope, variation orders, and real-time progress reports.
Maintain up-to-date budget-vs-actual dashboards, leveraging advanced Excel skills or ERP/project management tools to provide real-time insights for project managers and senior leadership.
Integrate budgetary information with project scheduling platforms, such as MS Project and Primavera, to ensure alignment between financial planning and time-sensitive project execution.
The position involves overseeing financial reporting and preparing management accounts to ensure accurate and timely financial information. Key responsibilities include consolidating financial data, analyzing variances, and presenting insights to senior management to support strategic decision-making. Proficiency in financial software and strong analytical skills are required, along with experience in preparing statutory accounts and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and excellent communication skills to convey complex financial information clearly.
Compile monthly and ad-hoc financial reports, including project profit and loss statements, cost-to-complete evaluations, and earned value assessments with precision and timeliness.
Develop comprehensive variance analyses that compare actual expenditures against budgeted and forecasted figures, providing concise written insights to support executive decision-making.
Compile multi-project financial data into comprehensive, company-wide project portfolio reports tailored for the Head of Finance and the Management Board.
Leverage the reporting functionalities within ERP/accounting systems, such as SAP, Sage, QuickBooks, or similar platforms, to produce organized management accounts.
Develop KPI dashboards that track utilization rates, cost burn, project profitability, and WIP schedules, employing Excel pivot tables, Power BI, or comparable business intelligence tools.
Responsible for overseeing and optimizing organizational expenditures to ensure financial efficiency and compliance, this role involves monitoring budgets, analyzing cost trends, and implementing strategies to mitigate unnecessary spending. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining financial controls, preparing detailed cost reports, and collaborating with department heads to align spending with strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and a minimum of three years of experience in cost accounting or a related field. Additionally, the position demands meticulous attention to detail, the ability to interpret financial data, and excellent communication skills to present findings to stakeholders.
Monitor project expenditures in real time, ensuring precise tracking of labor, materials, subcontractors, plant, and preliminary costs against approved budgets.
Proactively detect any instances of cost overruns, uncommitted expenses, or potential budget risks, and promptly suggest corrective measures to project teams.
Oversee accounting procedures for Work-in-Progress (WIP) in compliance with IAS 11 and IFRS 15 construction contract accounting standards.
Review and authorize interim payment certificates (PCs), subcontractor payment applications, and supplier invoices, ensuring they align with established contract milestones and terms.
Provide assistance to the Quantity Surveyor in conducting valuations, performing re-measurements, and participating in final account negotiations with clients and subcontractors.
Perform contract retention calculations, manage release schedules, and track bonds for all ongoing projects.
Our organization seeks a skilled professional to oversee and enhance IT systems, manage data operations, and optimize digital finance tools. The ideal candidate will ensure seamless integration of technological infrastructure, maintain data integrity and security, and leverage digital solutions to streamline financial processes. Responsibilities include monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and implementing best practices for data governance and cybersecurity. Proficiency in IT systems administration, data management, and financial software is required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Experience in digital transformation initiatives and familiarity with compliance standards are advantageous.
Leverage enterprise resource planning (ERP) and project accounting software to establish and maintain a unified, authoritative financial record for all projects.
Develop and sustain automated Excel solutions, including models and macros using VBA and Power Query, to facilitate cost tracking, cash flow forecasting, and payroll reconciliation.
Design and oversee Qlik (or comparable) dashboards to provide real-time visibility into project financial performance, ensuring accessibility for both project and site teams.
Integrate financial data from various field sources—such as site timesheets, materials requisitions, and fuel logs—into the accounting system to reduce manual data entry and minimize the risk of errors.
Establish and uphold a standardized digital document management protocol to securely organize and oversee all project financial documentation, including contracts, PCs, variations, and purchase orders, utilizing enterprise-grade document management platforms such as SharePoint, Alone, and Procure.
Assess existing IT systems within financial workflows and propose enhancements, focusing on mobile-first solutions for on-site data capture and streamlined approval processes.
Act in the capacity of Finance Super-User for the ERP system by delivering training to project personnel, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the chart of accounts, and coordinating with IT regarding system configuration and upgrade initiatives.
Maintain adherence to cybersecurity best practices when managing financial data, such as enforcing controlled system access, establishing comprehensive audit trails, and implementing rigorous data backup protocols.
Procurement Financial Oversight
Review and validate all procurement requests and purchase orders against approved project budgets before commitment.
Monitor purchase orders that remain uncommitted and open goods receipt notes (GRNs) to identify potential impacts on project cost forecasts, promptly flagging any discrepancies for review.
Utilize procurement-to-pay functionalities within the ERP system to validate three-way matching—comparing purchase orders, goods receipt notes, and invoices—ensuring accuracy prior to processing payments.
Responsible for overseeing cash flow management and providing strategic treasury support, ensuring optimal liquidity and financial stability for the organization. Duties include monitoring daily cash positions, managing liquidity forecasts, and executing efficient treasury operations. Additionally, the role involves coordinating with banking partners, handling wire transfers, and reconciling cash accounts. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial software are required, along with the ability to work under tight deadlines and maintain strict confidentiality in financial matters.
Develop and update project-specific and consolidated cash flow forecasts on a weekly basis or at key program milestones to ensure accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
Monitor client billing cycles, track IPC submission deadlines, and verify payment receipts to enhance working capital efficiency.
Flag potential cash flow risks, such as payment delays or front-loaded expenditures, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies to the Head of Finance.
Compile and submit drawdown requests alongside comprehensive financial reports to project financiers, banks, or development finance institutions, as required.
Ensures adherence to regulatory frameworks, statutory obligations, and financial control measures, safeguarding organizational integrity and operational efficiency.
Ensure all project-related financial transactions adhere to the stipulations set forth by Kenyan financial regulations, the mandates of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the internal controls established by the company.
Oversee the accurate calculation and remittance of withholding tax (WHT) on payments made to subcontractors and professional service providers, ensuring full adherence to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regulatory requirements.
Deliver precise and punctual VAT application on construction contracts, encompassing reverse-charge procedures and VAT assessments on retention funds.
Ensure that a fully comprehensive and traceable project file is consistently maintained, encompassing financial documentation, contracts, variations, and approvals, to facilitate seamless internal and external audits at any given time.
Support the year-end statutory audit process by preparing and analyzing work-in-progress schedules, accruals, prepayments, and reconciling contract assets and liabilities.
Ensure strict adherence to segregation of duties, approval authority frameworks, and financial delegation guidelines for all project-related expenditures.
Manages payroll processing and monitors labor cost expenditures to ensure accurate financial tracking and budget adherence.
Responsible for managing the processing and reconciliation of site-based payroll, which includes casual laborers, artisans, plumbers, carpenters, and other related roles, while ensuring precision and adherence to Employment Act regulations.
Reconcile labor cost allocations by project, cost center, and activity code, ensuring accurate data is integrated into project cost reports.
Fosters robust cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement to drive project success and align organizational objectives.
Act as the main financial advisor to Project Managers and Resident Engineers by participating in project progress meetings, analyzing project schedules, and contributing financial insights to pivotal decisions.
Collaborate closely with Quantity Surveyors to manage contract administration, prepare claims, and resolve disputes effectively.
Partner with the HR and Administrative teams to oversee workforce cost management and ensure accurate allocation of benefits expenses to various projects.
Deliver comprehensive financial evaluations to facilitate contract proposals, assess pricing structures, and determine the feasibility of new project initiatives through go/no-go assessments.
Compile financial packages and deliver succinct presentations for client project oversight committees or joint venture governance sessions as needed.
Spearheads the enhancement of operational processes and ensures robust financial oversight, driving efficiency and compliance across the organization. Develops and implements strategic initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and optimize resource allocation while maintaining rigorous financial governance standards. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies, propose data-driven solutions, and monitor performance metrics to achieve measurable improvements. Ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and best practices in financial management, safeguarding organizational integrity and fiscal responsibility. Analyzes financial data, forecasts trends, and provides actionable insights to senior leadership to support informed decision-making and long-term strategic planning.
Continuously evaluate and enhance financial processes, reporting workflows, and systems integration to ensure heightened accuracy and efficiency.
Craft comprehensive and meticulously documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the financial management processes of projects.
Promote a culture of financial responsibility throughout site and project teams by implementing comprehensive training programs, establishing well-defined policies, and conducting consistent financial evaluations.
Compile and deliver regular financial governance reports to the Head of Finance and CFO on a scheduled basis.
Seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, supplemented by at least three years of hands-on experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are required to collaborate effectively across departments. Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance protocols is highly valued. The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail is critical. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is expected.
Academic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or a related field from a recognised university.
Professional Experience
Experienced professionals should possess at least six years of progressive expertise in project accounting, cost accounting, or financial management.
A minimum of three years of hands-on experience in the construction, civil engineering, or infrastructure contracting industry within Kenya or East Africa is highly advantageous.
Proficiency in overseeing multiple financial portfolios of substantial scale—each exceeding KES 500 million in aggregate value—constitutes a favorable qualification for this role.
We seek a candidate with robust technical acumen and a strong foundation in IT systems to support our organization’s digital infrastructure. The ideal professional will possess hands-on experience with troubleshooting, system maintenance, and the implementation of IT solutions. Proficiency in programming languages, network administration, and cybersecurity measures is essential, along with familiarity with cloud services and data management tools. Additionally, the role demands the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless technological integration and operational efficiency.
ERP System Experience: Practical expertise with a construction or project-focused ERP system, such as Sage 300 Construction & Real Estate, SAP (PS module), or a comparable platform. The ability to configure project cost codes, generate reports, and extract data is essential.
Proficient in advanced Excel functionalities, including Pivot Tables, LOOKUP/LOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, financial modeling, and a functional understanding of VBA macros and Power Query for process automation.
Business Intelligence professionals are encouraged to have hands-on experience with data visualization platforms such as Qlik or Tableau—or similar tools—to design and distribute financial dashboards effectively.
Full proficiency in the MS Office 365 Suite, including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Word, is essential for facilitating professional communication and streamlining document management within a cloud-based infrastructure.
Proficiency in digital document management systems such as SharePoint, Alone, Procure, or comparable platforms is required to efficiently organize project documents, facilitate approvals, and maintain accurate financial records.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of financial data governance principles, including robust access controls, meticulous audit trail maintenance, and adherence to established data backup best practices.
Core strengths include strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, enabling effective decision-making and project management. Proven leadership abilities foster team collaboration and drive organizational success. Exceptional communication skills facilitate clear articulation of ideas and alignment with stakeholders. A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation enhances operational efficiency and adaptability in dynamic environments. Strong interpersonal skills support relationship-building and conflict resolution. Proficiency in relevant technical tools and methodologies ensures streamlined workflows and high-quality deliverables. Dedication to professional development and industry best practices underscores a high standard of performance.
A strong grasp of financial principles is essential, encompassing project accounting methodologies, revenue recognition under IFRS 15 for construction contracts, and Work in Progress (WIP) accounting practices.
Analytical Thinking: Proficient in consolidating extensive data sets to derive precise, practical financial conclusions.
Maintaining meticulous accuracy in financial records, reports, and reconciliations is essential to meet high standards of precision and compliance.
Commercial awareness encompasses a comprehensive understanding of various contract frameworks, including lump sum, re-measured, and cost-plus agreements, as well as procurement methodologies and the distinct phases of construction projects.
Ability to distill intricate financial data into clear, accessible language for teams outside finance and senior leadership.
Maintaining the utmost integrity and discretion is essential, as it requires adhering to the highest professional ethical standards when managing confidential financial and commercial information.
Proactive and self-driven, this individual demonstrates strong initiative and ownership by independently identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions without requiring constant direction.
Adaptability is crucial, involving the capacity to prioritize tasks efficiently and perform effectively amid the demands of a dynamic, multi-project construction setting.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
6 years
