We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Accounting Assistant to join our dynamic Cost Accounting team within a thriving manufacturing company. In this crucial role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our inventory management processes. You will report directly to the Cost Accounting Manager and contribute significantly to maintaining a cost-effective and well-controlled inventory system.
THE ROLE IN BRIEF
Responsibilities:
- Inventory Transactions and Bill of Materials (BOM) Management:
- Process all inventory transactions for raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established costing methods (e.g., FIFO, LIFO, Weighted average).
- Maintain and update BOMs for all manufactured products, reflecting current component usage and costing information.
- Analyze and reconcile discrepancies between BOMs and actual material usage during production.
- Inventory Cycle Counts and Reconciliations:
- Assist with planning and conducting regular physical inventory cycle counts for all manufacturing locations.
- Collaborate with production teams to ensure accurate inventory count procedures.
- Analyze and investigate discrepancies identified during stock reconciliations, proposing solutions for future accuracy.
- Goods in Transit (GIT) and Inventory Reporting:
- Research and reconcile goods in transit (GIT) to ensure their proper accounting treatment within the inventory system.
- Prepare detailed reports on inventory levels, costs, turnover, and variances.
- Assist with the analysis of inventory data to identify trends and potential cost-saving opportunities.
- Calculate the landed costs and receive the correct value of item received in the accounting system
- Month-End and Year-End Closing:
- Assist the Cost Accounting Manager with month-end and year-end closing procedures for inventory accounts.
- Prepare necessary journal entries to adjust inventory valuations and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Additional responsibilities:
- Stay informed of current accounting regulations and best practices for manufacturing inventory management.
- Utilize and maintain proficiency in relevant accounting software
- Assist the Cost Accounting Manager with other accounting tasks as assigned.
GENERAL COMPETENCY EXPECTATIONS
- Plan your time to work effectively and productively with little or no supervision.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues, achieving positive feedback from others.
- Demonstrate 100% ownership of your work, i.e. you take initiative to solve problems.
- Willingness to continuously grow and learn, receiving feedback with a positive mindset.
- Competency in using and improving data systems.
- A strong manager who can balance accountability and positivity on our team.
- Demonstrate strong analytical thinking in your written work and decision-making.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Accounting or a related field (preferred).
- Minimum 1 year of experience in an accounting role, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting principles and costing methods (e.g., standard costing, activity-based costing).
- Proficient in accounting software and comfortable working with complex spreadsheets.
- Excellent attention to detail and a dedication to accuracy in data entry and analysis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments (production, finance, etc.).
Location: Nairobi, Kenya