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Accountant

Sayen Supermarket

Nairobifull time~KES 70k – 100k/mo6d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Manage full accounting cycles for a supermarket—from daily ledger entries and bank reconciliation to monthly financial statements, payroll processing, and KRA compliance.

You Need

CPA-K certification, 3+ years of hands-on accounting experience, and proficiency in accounting software and IFRS-compliant reporting.

You Get

Competitive salary aligned with market rates for experienced accountants, a structured finance role with clear responsibilities, and the opportunity to work in a fast-paced retail environment.

Job Description

Role Overview

Sayen Supermarket is seeking a detail-oriented and qualified Accountant to join its finance team. This role sits at the heart of the business, ensuring accurate financial records, compliance with accounting standards, and timely reporting that supports sound decision-making across the supermarket's operations.

The ideal candidate will bring solid hands-on accounting experience, preferably within the retail or Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-transaction environment where accuracy and speed both matter.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date books of accounts, including general ledger entries, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports in compliance with relevant accounting standards.
  • Reconcile bank statements, petty cash, and supplier accounts on a regular basis.
  • Process payroll and ensure statutory deductions (PAYE, NSSF, NHIF, NITA) are computed and remitted on time.
  • Monitor and control stock-related financial transactions, including cost of goods sold (COGS) and inventory valuation.
  • Liaise with external auditors during annual audits and provide all required documentation and support.
  • Ensure compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requirements, including VAT, corporate tax, and iTax filings.
  • Analyse financial data to identify variances, trends, and opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
  • Support the preparation of budgets and cash flow forecasts to guide business planning.
  • Implement and uphold internal controls to safeguard company assets and prevent financial loss.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Must hold a Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field — a Diploma will be considered alongside demonstrated competence.
  • Must be a certified CPA-K holder; active membership with ICPAK is required.
  • Must demonstrate at least 3 years of practical accounting experience, with the ability to independently manage a full accounting cycle.
  • Must be able to prepare IFRS-compliant financial statements without supervision.
  • Must be proficient in at least one accounting software package (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, or a POS-integrated ERP system) and in Microsoft Excel at an intermediate to advanced level.
  • Must be able to process and file KRA returns accurately and on time using iTax.
  • Must demonstrate strong analytical skills — able to interpret financial reports and flag anomalies proactively.
  • Experience working in a retail or FMCG environment is a significant advantage, particularly familiarity with inventory accounting and supplier reconciliations.
Salary & Benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and aligned with Kenyan market rates for a qualified accountant with 3+ years of experience. Estimated monthly gross compensation ranges between KES 70,000 and KES 100,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Sayen Supermarket also offers a structured working environment with regular working hours and opportunities for career growth within the retail sector.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for a CPA-K certified accounting professional who has worked in a busy commercial or retail setting and is confident managing the full accounting function with minimal supervision. You are methodical, trustworthy with sensitive financial information, and you thrive under deadlines.

Please do not apply if you do not hold CPA-K certification, if you have fewer than 3 years of relevant accounting experience, or if you are looking for a purely theoretical or entry-level role. Candidates without proficiency in accounting software will not be considered.

How to Apply
  • Prepare an updated CV highlighting your accounting experience, CPA-K certification status, and any retail or FMCG exposure.
  • Write a brief cover letter addressed to the HR Manager at Sayen Supermarket, explaining why you are the right fit for this role.
  • Send your application documents to the contact provided in the original job advertisement on the Sayen Supermarket careers page or the platform where this listing appears.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of applying, consider your application unsuccessful for this round.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • Active CPA-K certification and ICPAK membership
  • Minimum 3 years of practical accounting experience with full cycle management capability
  • Ability to prepare IFRS-compliant financial statements independently
  • Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, ERP) and advanced Microsoft Excel; iTax filing competency

Nice to Have

  • Prior experience in retail or FMCG sector
  • Familiarity with inventory accounting and supplier reconciliations
  • Experience with POS-integrated systems
  • Proven track record of internal control design and implementation

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive market rate for qualified accountants with 3+ years' experience in Nairobi

KES 70,000–100,000/mo is aligned with mid-level accountant salaries in Kenya's retail and FMCG sectors. Pay within this band typically reflects CPA-K status, years of experience, technical skills (software, IFRS), and sector-specific knowledge. Candidates at the upper end usually have 5+ years' experience or specialist retail accounting expertise.

About Sayen Supermarket

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Sayen Supermarket is a retail operation based in Nairobi serving the Kenyan consumer goods market. As a supermarket chain, they manage high-transaction volumes, diverse inventory, and multi-store financial operations—making them a significant player in Kenya's organized retail sector. Working here offers the chance to build expertise in retail accounting and supply chain financial management while contributing to a business that touches thousands of customers daily.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Walk us through how you've managed a full accounting cycle in a previous retail or FMCG role. What were your key challenges and how did you overcome them?

  • 2

    Describe your experience with inventory accounting and cost of goods sold (COGS) management. How have you handled stock reconciliations and valuation in a fast-moving environment?

  • 3

    Tell us about your experience preparing IFRS-compliant financial statements. Have you worked independently, or did you require supervision?

  • 4

    How do you stay current with KRA requirements and tax compliance? Can you give an example of a complex iTax filing or VAT issue you've resolved?

  • 5

    What accounting software have you used, and how proficient are you in Excel? Can you describe a time you used advanced Excel functions to analyse financial data or flag anomalies?

Application Tips

  • Highlight specific retail or FMCG accounting experience on your CV—mention inventory valuation methods, stock reconciliations, and any supermarket or chain store roles, even if part-time.

  • Emphasise your CPA-K certification status and ICPAK membership prominently; confirm your active standing and any specialisations (e.g., retail accounting).

  • Demonstrate technical proficiency: list specific accounting software platforms you've mastered (QuickBooks, Sage, any ERP), your Excel skill level, and concrete examples of iTax filings or KRA returns you've prepared and filed independently.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Junior Accountant or Accounts Assistant (2–3 years experience)
Finance Officer in retail, FMCG, or a general business setting
Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist (transitioning to full-cycle role)

Where this leads

Senior Accountant or Accounting Manager (overseeing multiple staff or branches)
Finance Manager or Finance Lead (broader financial planning and budget oversight)
Internal Audit or Compliance Officer (leveraging internal control expertise)

Skills & Keywords

accountant jobs kenyacpa-k jobs nairobiretail accountant kenyafmcg accounting jobsaccounting jobs kenya 2025cpak certified accountantsupermarket finance jobsbookkeeping kenya

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • CPA-K and ICPAK membership required—signals a professional, standards-driven organisation that values qualified talent and likely invests in compliance and governance.
  • Clear, detailed responsibility list—the job posting is specific about daily, weekly, and strategic tasks, suggesting well-defined role expectations and manageable scope.
  • Retail/FMCG emphasis and fast-paced environment—offers real-world exposure to inventory, supplier management, and high-volume transaction accounting, highly valued skills in Kenya's retail sector.
  • Competitive salary aligned with 3+ years' experience—no lowball offer; the company benchmarks against market rates and acknowledges that qualified CPAs command professional compensation.

Watch Out

  • Job description is incomplete—benefits section cuts off mid-sentence ('offers a st...'). Clarify the full benefits package before applying, as this may signal rushed hiring or incomplete communication.
  • No mention of tools, systems, or team structure—unclear whether this person works alone or as part of a finance team, which affects day-to-day dynamics and support.
  • Salary range is quite broad (KES 70k–100k, a 43% spread), suggesting significant variability; request clarity on salary progression and criteria for placement within the band during negotiation.

A Day in the Life

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Monday to Friday you'll arrive at Sayen's Nairobi office to reconcile the previous day's sales transactions, review bank deposits, and process supplier invoices from the weekend—often 50+ transactions in a supermarket setting. Mid-week, you'll prepare payroll, ensuring PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF deductions are calculated correctly and remitted to KRA and relevant bodies. By month-end, your focus shifts to closing the books: reconciling petty cash and supplier accounts, posting all journal entries to the general ledger, and compiling draft monthly financial statements for management review. You'll also flag any variances in COGS or inventory, coordinate with store managers on stock counts, and file VAT or corporate tax returns via iTax as deadlines approach. Collaboration with external auditors during annual audits and occasional budget forecasting meetings with senior management round out the month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be an Accountant at Sayen Supermarket?

You must hold a Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Accounting/Finance, be a certified CPA-K holder with active ICPAK membership, and have at least 3 years of hands-on accounting experience. You should be able to prepare IFRS-compliant financial statements independently and be proficient in accounting software and iTax filing.

Is the Accountant role at Sayen Supermarket remote or on-site?

The role is based in Nairobi and appears to be on-site, given the emphasis on daily transaction processing, bank reconciliation, and close liaison with store teams and external auditors. No remote work mention is included in the posting.

How much does an Accountant earn at Sayen Supermarket?

The estimated monthly gross compensation ranges from KES 70,000 to KES 100,000, depending on your qualifications and years of experience. This is competitive with market rates for qualified accountants in Kenya's retail sector.

What are the career growth opportunities for this Accountant role?

While not explicitly detailed in the posting, the role positions you for progression to Senior Accountant, Finance Manager, or Internal Audit roles. Working in a supermarket chain gives you valuable retail accounting expertise, highly sought after in Kenya's growing organised retail sector.

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