Regional Accounting Lead Job in Kenya - Gates Foundation

What You’ll Do

  • Act as subject matter expert of all local accounting and tax guidance for the Africa region including representing GFAS on projects that require collaboration with cross-functional teams including legal, IT, Operations, etc.
  • Develop and maintain policies and procedures in accordance with local accounting guidance and internal controls.
  • General ledger management for financial statement accounts including review of accounting and tax related journal entries and account reconciliations prepared by outsourced accounting vendor.
  • Perform monthly and annual analytics of financial statement reports and schedules.
  • Prepare financial statements, regulatory filings and supporting schedules in accordance with local regulatory standards for the Africa region.
  • Manage financial statement and tax audits for the Africa region.
  • Monitor changes to local accounting standards and tax requirements in collaboration with US-based GFAS colleagues and implement new processes to operationalize new or updated guidance.
  • Manage contracts and vendor relationships for local outsourced accounting vendors.
  • Oversee daily operations of external vendors including setting expectations for outsourced accounting work.
  • Act as the main GFAS point of contact for Africa regional office colleagues and help address questions related to finance policies, payments, credit cards, coding etc.
  • Collaborate with the Head of Operations, Africa to review and implement process improvements that strengthen financial and operational coordination.

Your Experience


  • Bachelor’s or other advanced degree, with 10+ years of Accounting/Finance experience.
  • CPA/ACCA or equivalent professional certification required.
  • Technically proficient in accounting operations and possess knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards in Africa office regions.
  • Experience researching sophisticated issues (accounting, payroll, tax, regulatory) and providing well-reasoned recommendations.
  • Experience working under pressure, often in a deadline driven and fast paced environment.
  • Proficient project management skills with the ability to supervise and lead the work of others, including outside vendors.
  • Strong initiative, organization skills and ability to work autonomously and cross-functionally while remaining flexible to changing tasks and priorities.
  • Proven ability to bring work/projects to completion by quickly learning relevant information with minimal direction.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to influence and engage staff and external partners at all levels.
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
  • Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, a solution orientation, and the ability to identify new ways of working, including leveraging automation and AI.
  • Understands end-to-end process management, including organizational change and internal controls.
  • Experience working in heavily matrixed environments, across multiple teams and divisions, and managing changing priorities.
  • Proven ability to build positive relationships and credibility with business partners and key decision makers.

How to Apply

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