Accounts Assistant – VAT Exemption & Compliance

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounts Assistant – VAT to join its Finance team in Nairobi. This role is central to managing the full lifecycle of VAT exemption processes — from application preparation and certificate tracking to reconciliation and risk mitigation. The successful candidate will play a critical role in safeguarding ILRI's tax exemption benefits and ensuring full regulatory compliance.

ILRI is a globally respected international research organization and a proud member of CGIAR. Its mission is to improve the lives of over 300 million people across low- and middle-income countries by advancing sustainable, science-based livestock solutions. Working at ILRI means contributing to a purpose-driven institution at the intersection of food security, climate resilience, and rural development.

• Prepare VAT exemption applications on a real-time basis and submit to the Liaison Officer at least twice per week for onward filing.
• Track all submitted VAT applications to ensure approved certificates are received promptly and remain within their validity period.
• Notify suppliers when VAT certificates are ready for collection and follow up to ensure collection before certificates expire.
• Reverse accrued VAT amounts in the system once suppliers have collected their certificates.
• Prepare and circulate weekly VAT schedule and progress reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct monthly reconciliations of all VAT applications, ensuring all transactions are accounted for and discrepancies are resolved promptly.
• Address all time-barred VAT applications within the first month of identification.
• Maintain accurate VAT records and prepare monthly aging schedules to ensure no balances in VAT account (62500) remain outstanding beyond six months.
• Proactively identify risks arising from delayed, expired, or unclaimed VAT certificates and implement timely mitigation actions.
• Monitor the VAT account to prevent revenue leakage and prolonged outstanding balances.
• Escalate high-risk or non-compliant VAT items to management in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized physical and digital filing systems for all VAT-related documentation.
• Train and support the alternate staff member covering this function.
• Provide additional support to finance unit clients as required.

• Must demonstrate hands-on experience processing VAT exemption applications within a compliance or finance environment — prior NGO, INGO, or international organization experience is strongly preferred.
• Must be able to independently manage multiple VAT certificates simultaneously, tracking deadlines and validity periods without supervisory prompting.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in reconciling VAT accounts and producing aging schedules that drive decision-making.
• Must be able to prepare clear, accurate weekly and monthly reports tailored to diverse stakeholders including finance managers and external liaisons.
• Must demonstrate working knowledge of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) VAT regulations and exemption frameworks applicable to international organizations.
• Must be capable of using ERP or accounting software (experience with Sun Systems, SAP, or similar is an advantage) to post reversals and generate reports.
• Must exhibit strong attention to detail and the ability to identify financial discrepancies and escalate appropriately.
• Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA Part II or higher is an added advantage.
• Must demonstrate 2–4 years of relevant experience in a finance or accounts role, with specific exposure to VAT management.

ILRI offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience. The estimated monthly salary range for this role is KES 60,000 – 100,000, benchmarked against INGO compensation standards in Kenya. ILRI staff also benefit from a comprehensive package that typically includes medical cover, institutional pension contributions, and a professionally stimulating international work environment.

Ideal candidates are finance professionals with 2–4 years of experience in accounts or tax compliance roles, particularly within international organizations, NGOs, or INGOs operating in Kenya. You are highly organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable working with recurring compliance cycles. You take ownership of your processes and proactively flag issues before they escalate.

Do not apply if you have no prior exposure to VAT processes or tax compliance work, if you require constant supervision to meet routine deadlines, or if you have no experience working within structured reporting frameworks in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through ILRI's official careers portal at https://www.ilri.org/careers. Ensure your application includes an updated CV and a cover letter clearly demonstrating how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined above. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The deadline for applications is 24 June 2026.