Accounts Assistant – VAT at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Accounts Assistant – VAT at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Kenya Job Details

About the Role

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is recruiting an Accounts Assistant – VAT for its Nairobi office. This is a full-time Administration position focused on managing VAT exemption processes, tracking certificates, and maintaining compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority requirements. You will report to the Finance Supervisor and work closely with the VAT liaison officer to ensure all exemption applications are processed efficiently and accurately.

ILRI is a research organisation working in livestock development across Africa and Asia. The Accounts Assistant – VAT role is critical to the organisation’s financial operations, as VAT management directly affects cash flow and regulatory compliance. This position requires someone detail-oriented, organised, and capable of managing multiple deadlines simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare VAT exemption applications on an ongoing basis and submit them to the liaison officer at least twice per week, coordinating with them on filing procedures.
• Monitor submitted applications to confirm that approved exemption certificates are received within their validity periods.
• Notify suppliers when their VAT exemption certificates are ready for collection and follow up to ensure they collect before expiry.
• Reverse accrued VAT amounts in the accounting system once suppliers have collected their exemption certificates.
• Compile and distribute VAT progress schedules and reports weekly to relevant stakeholders for transparency and tracking.
• Perform monthly reconciliations to verify all VAT applications are recorded correctly and address any discrepancies immediately.
• Address all time-barred VAT applications within the first month of identification to minimise compliance risk.
• Maintain detailed VAT records and prepare monthly aging schedules, ensuring balances in VAT account 62500 do not remain outstanding beyond six months, with monthly reports to the Supervisor.
• Identify risks related to delayed, expired, or unclaimed VAT certificates and implement timely mitigation actions.
• Monitor VAT account 62500 to prevent extended outstanding balances and revenue leakage.
• Escalate high-risk or non-compliant VAT matters to management promptly.
• Maintain complete and organised documentation—both physical and digital—related to VAT functions.
• Provide additional support to unit clients as requested.
• Train the alternate position holder on all aspects of the VAT role to ensure business continuity.
• Support colleagues in developing their skills and improving their work output.
• Provide VAT schedules and supporting documents to auditors as required during audit processes.
• Complete other tasks assigned by the unit as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Intermediate level qualification or equivalent.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Minimum one year of experience in an accounting, finance, or VAT-related role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and track complex applications.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Knowledge of Kenyan VAT regulations and exemption processes is an advantage.

What to Expect

• You will work in a structured finance department with clear processes and regular reporting cycles. VAT management is time-sensitive work requiring attention to detail and reliability.
• The role involves close coordination with the VAT liaison officer, suppliers, and Finance management. You will be expected to communicate updates regularly and escalate issues promptly.
• This Accounts Assistant – VAT at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) position in Nairobi is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.