Estates Finance Officer - British High Commission

A vacancy has arisen at the British High Commission for an Estates Finance Officer. The British High Commission Nairobi consists of over 300 employees with a wide variety of experience and job roles, representing over 10 government departments working within Kenya and Somalia.

The position is graded at A2(L) for which the current salary scale starts at Kshs. 129,949/- per month before deduction of tax. Where the jobholder is not liable to Kenyan tax, the scale will be abated under HM Treasury rules and starts at Kshs. 97,356- per month to take account of the tax they would have paid. The anticipated start date is June 2015.

Main purpose of job:

The Estates Finance Officer will join the BHC Joint Corporate Services team providing support in budget oversight and day to day financial management of a substantial residential and office estate. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a budget worth 40% of the overall post budget allocation, covering rent, utilities, security and property maintenance. She/he will be expected to work in conjunction with various teams to profile and forecast spends on budget lines.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Work in conjunction with the Estates Manager to forecast and profile spends on budget lines, monitor expenditure and ensure value for money and compliance with procurement audit procedures;
• Coordinate bid preparation for the Medium Term Financial Planning exercise on; rental budget, furnishings, maintenance, security and utilities budgets which run up to Ksh. 340 million;
• Prepare requisitions or distribution sets detailing payments on utilities, rents and security due for submission to the Global Transaction Processing Centre in the UK;
• Monitor expenditure on Technical Works Group projects and providing accurate reporting (including financial compliance monitoring);
• Undertake regular financial housekeeping, including clearing invoices on hold and goods received but not invoiced, closing open purchase orders;
• Preparation of requisitions and receipting of goods and services on accounting system PRISM;
• Prepare and maintain the Post’s utilities data inventory on Pyramid (The High Commission Property Management system).
• Key competences required:
• Collaborating and Partnering - Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions
• Delivering Value for Money - Efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in delivery. Seeking out and implementing solutions which achieve the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay. Taking decisions based on evidenced information and following agreed processes and policies, challenging these appropriately where they appear to prevent good value for money
• Changing & Improving - Responsive, innovative and seeks out opportunities to create effective change. Open to change too, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in ‘smarter’, more focused ways. Making use of alternative delivery models
• Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes, working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way

Other skills / experience / qualifications:

• The successful candidate will require a background in finance work, in particular budget management and forecasting
• Must have excellent IT skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• They will also need to pay attention to detail and show initiative
• Must have good customer service skills coupled with an ability to handle difficult customers.

NOTE:

• All applicants must be legally able to work in Kenya with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• The British High Commission in Nairobi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
• Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Kenyan employment law.
• Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
• If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English and application form, by email to: Recruitment.Africa@fco.gov.uk

Closing date: 10th June 2015