Joseph Kigo

Joseph Kigo

$10/hr
Financial management, budgeting, compliance, and Accounting
Reply rate:
75.0%
Availability:
Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
Age:
35 years old
Location:
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Experience:
11 years
Joseph Kigo CPA-K P.O Box-, Parklands-Nairobi | LinkedIn Profile - | - Results-driven and detail-oriented Professional Accountant with over 11 years of experience in full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and cash flow management for U.S. based businesses and global organizations. CPA-K certified, highly proficient in QuickBooks Online, Google Sheets, Xero,Zohobooks and financial compliance. Skilled in managing daily general ledger operations, budgeting, reconciliations, AP/AR, tax filings, and financial system optimization. Adept at working independently in remote settings, delivering strategic financial insights, and driving continuous process improvement. Key Competencies • • • • • • • • • • • • General Ledger Oversight Cash Flow Model Maintenance Bank & Credit Card Reconciliations Payroll Processing AP/AR Management & Collections Tax Compliance (1099s, W-2s) Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis Google Sheets/Excel Financial Modeling System Process Improvement Financial Reporting for Stakeholders Stakeholder Liaison (Consultants, Clients, Partners) Slack/Remote Collaboration Tools Relevant Achievements ERP Optimization & Financial Controls • Reduced reconciliation discrepancies by 50% through weekly ERP-driven processes • Improved financial reporting turnaround from 7 days to 3 days by streamlining journal entries and reports in NetSuite and QuickBooks Full-Cycle Accounting Leadership • Oversaw AP/AR operations, achieving on-time vendor payments and reducing outstanding receivables by 20% • Executed month-end closings and journal entries with accuracy across multiple reporting periods Customer Communication & Reporting • Acted as primary liaison for U.S. based clients, resolving all of accounting queries within 24 hours • Maintained a 100% client retention rate through timely and professional financial reporting Education & Certifications • M.Sc. Finance, University of Nairobi (2020) • B.Com Accounting, Kenyatta University (2013) • Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) | • Google Data Analytics Professional Experience Accounting Specialist Calagaz Printing LLC (Alabama, USA) | April 2023 – May 2025 | Remote Contractor 1. General Ledger Management & Financial Accuracy • Maintain all general ledger transactions using QuickBooks Online, ensuring precision in financial data entry. • Categorize expenses daily and implement review processes to ensure accuracy and completeness. 2. Cash Flow & Forecasting • Update and monitor a rolling 13-week cash flow model daily, enhancing visibility into short-term liquidity planning. • Assist in preparing accurate forecasts and budget performance analysis to inform strategic decision-making. 3. Bank & Credit Card Reconciliations • Perform monthly reconciliations for multiple bank and credit card accounts with 100% accuracy. • Identify and resolve variances proactively to maintain clean financial records. 4. Accounts Payable/Receivable & Invoicing. • Manage AP/AR lifecycle including invoice generation, payment posting, and follow-ups on outstanding balances. • Improve collections by implementing structured communication and reporting systems. 5. Payroll & Tax Compliance • Process biweekly payroll, managing employee data, benefits, and adjustments. • Prepare and file 1099s and W-2s, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal and state requirements. 6. Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration • Liaise with external consultants, clients, and internal business partners for financial alignment and support. • Use Slack daily for real-time updates, coordination, and issue resolution. 7. Process Improvement & Compliance • Recommend and implement system improvements to streamline workflow and enhance reporting quality. • Ensure all processes comply with internal financial policies and data security standards. General Accountant International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) | Dec 2015 – Mar 2023 1. Accounts Payable & Vendor Management • Streamlined AP processes, shortening invoice processing cycles and ensuring 100% on-time payments via automated schedules. • Maintained high accuracy in vendor invoice processing through rigorous checks and a digital tracking system. • Strengthened vendor relationships by strengthening vendor satisfaction. 2. Tax Compliance & Strategy • Filed VAT, PAYE, NHIF, and statutory deductions with 100% on-time compliance, improving regulatory rapport. • Optimized tax strategies using credits/deductions, reducing liabilities and staying ahead of legislative changes. 3. Payroll & Financial Record-Keeping • Processed payroll for 1,000+ employees, ensuring local tax compliance and improving payroll accuracy. • Maintained 100% accurate financial records and streamlined document access with a digital filing system. 4. Month-End Close & Financial Reporting • Enhanced the month-end process efficiency through streamlined reconciliations and cross-functional collaboration. • Delivered actionable insights via financial reports, ensuring greater alignment with budget targets. • Automated 15 bank reconciliations/month (100% accuracy), saving substantial time each month with Excel. 5. Process Optimization & Audit Readiness • Identified and implemented efficiency gains, limiting human input errors in reporting. • Supported audits with flawless documentation, earning audit success with minimal follow-up. • Enhanced cash flow forecasting accuracy by 25% through daily variance analysis. Assistant Accountant Automobile Association of Kenya | Oct 2013 – Nov 2015 1. Financial Data Integrity & Transaction Management • Implemented double-entry checks and automated validation tools, enhancing transaction accuracy. • Maintained 100% accurate financial records through standardized templates and routine audits. • Ensured IFRS compliance while achieving zero discrepancies in financial reporting. 2. Accounts Receivable/Payable Optimization • Improved collection processes through centralized invoicing and follow-up systems. • Improved vendor relationships with structured payment calendars, ensuring on-time payments. • Enforced tighter expenditure control through robust internal controls implementation. 3. Financial Reporting & Analysis • Automated report generation using Excel macros, ensuring timely report delivery. • Enhanced decision-making with variance analysis and trend identification across departments. • Created budget dashboards that improved budget efficiency through actionable insights. 4. Cash Flow & Reconciliation Management • Maintained 100% cash flow accuracy through meticulous monthly bank reconciliations. • Enhanced liquidity management through optimized cash flow forecasting strategies. • Automated reconciliation processes, saving significant time while ensuring accuracy. 5. Compliance & Client Relations • Achieved 100% policy adherence through regular compliance audits and staff training. • Strengthened client engagement through efficient query resolution systems. • Developed comprehensive FAQ database and consultation protocols for client support. Technical Skills • Accounting Software: QuickBooks Online, Gusto, Xero, Zoho books, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 • Data Tools: Google Sheets, Excel (Advanced), Power Query, Power BI • Collaboration Tools: Slack, Zoom, Trello, Google Workspace • Compliance: GAAP, IFRS, U.S. Payroll and Tax Regulations Availability • Full-time availability | Remote work across different time zones • Fully equipped for secure remote accounting work References Available upon request
Get your freelancer profile up and running. View the step by step guide to set up a freelancer profile so you can land your dream job.