G4S is the leading global integrated security company specialising in the provision of security products, services and solutions. The group is active in more than 110 countries, and is the largest employer quoted on the London Stock Exchange with over 623,000 employees and has a secondary stock exchange listing in Copenhagen.

Chief Accountant

Reporting to the Financial Controller,the Chief Accountant shall ensure delivery of all financial accounting objectives in line with the overall company goals, manage the members of staff in the department and ensure that the department meets its targets.

Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Maintain the general ledger in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) for all transactions.
• Prepare balance sheet and profit and loss reconciliations covering the entire general ledger.
• Produce accounting reports and financial statements within the deadlines set by the Group and the various legal bodies.
• Plan and prepare annual audits of financial statements and management reports within specified timelines.
• Ensure optimal and smooth operation of the company’s accounting systems by continuously reviewing their
• operation and/or recommending additional functionalities, where appropriate.

Financial Controls and Risk Management

• Continuously check and ensure that the Groups accounting policies, procedures and principles are correctly applied in close cooperation with the controlling department.
• Ensure adherence to all company internal controls, financial policies and procedures.
• Oversee the maintenance of a proper and functional data registry and filing system.
• Oversee the maintenance of fixed assets and other company registers.

Tax Compliance

• Supervise and check the release of end-of-year statutory financial statements, tax and legal statements.
• Ensure reliability of accounting and tax information by implementing appropriate procedures, checks and performance indicators.
• Ensure familiarity with accounting and tax regulations.
• Oversee the preparation of the company’s tax returns and other periodic statutory deduct

People Management

• Establish and monitor key staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Develop key staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
• Promote a high performance and continuous improvement culture that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Undertake any other duties as appropriate or as assigned from time to time.
• Ensure that the level of technical ability in the team is high.
• Propose and implement all initiatives that aim to improve productivity in the process of providing accounting information at both the financial information system level and the information flow level.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Finance and Accounting from a recognized University.
• Registered Member of ICPAK (CPA (K)) or internationally recognized professional accountancy body.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in financial & management accounting.
• Relevant experience in audit in a large / international audit firm will be an added advantage.
• Working experience with ERP systems will be an added advantage.

Knowledge

• Kenya Companies Act,2015
• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)
• International Accounting Standards (IASs)