Joseph Kigo

Joseph Kigo

$12/hr
Financial management, budgeting, compliance, and Accounting
Reply rate:
72.73%
Availability:
Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
Age:
35 years old
Location:
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Experience:
11 years
Joseph Kigo CPA-K Professional Summary Experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant (CPA-K) with over 10 years of experience in financial management, reporting, and system implementation across U.S based and international organizations. Skilled in multi-entity accounting, reconciliations, payroll administration, and financial consolidation, with proven success migrating systems from QuickBooks to Microsoft Dynamics 365, reducing reporting time by 35% and improving reconciliation accuracy. Adept at streamlining AP/AR workflows, supporting audits, and enhancing internal controls to ensure compliance and transparency. Recognized for a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and collaboration with leadership to drive efficiency and financial clarity. Core Competencies • Multi-Entity Accounting & Consolidation • Financial System Migration (QuickBooks → Microsoft Dynamics 365) • Accounts Payable & Receivable Optimization • Financial Reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) • Payroll Processing & Compliance (U.S. and International) • Tax Filings & Audit Support • Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis • Process Automation & Internal Controls • Team Leadership & Bookkeeper Training • Cash Flow Management & Liquidity Planning • Intercompany Transactions & Eliminations • Strategic Collaboration with CFO Key Achievements • Led full migration of portfolio from QuickBooks and manual spreadsheets to Microsoft dynamics 365, mapping the chart of accounts, setting up data validation controls, and training staff. • Rebuilt and reconciled AR schedules to resolve legacy discrepancies. • Supported a smooth transition of billing from spreadsheets to an automated system. Education & Certifications • M.Sc. Finance, University of Nairobi (2020) • B.Com Accounting, Kenyatta University (2013) • Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) | • Professional Google Data Analytics Certification Professional Experience Accounting Specialist Calagaz Group (Alabama, USA) | April 2023 – Present | Remote Contractor 1. General Ledger Management & Financial Accuracy • Maintain all general ledger transactions, ensuring precision in financial data entry. • Categorize expenses daily and implement review processes to ensure accuracy and completeness. 2. Financial Systems Management • Implemented and maintained integrated financial systems across multiple entities using Xero and Quickbooks, ensuring accuracy, real-time reporting, and compliance. • Streamlined monthly close processes, reducing reporting turnaround time by 35% through automation and standardized workflows. 3. Financial Reporting and Consolidation • Performed detailed reconciliations and prepared consolidated profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements for multiple portfolio companies. • Delivered actionable financial insights that improved decision-making and transparency for management and investors. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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 20+ 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 Platforms: Xero, QuickBooks Online, Thera, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP • Data & Reporting Tools: Excel (Advanced Formulas, Pivot Tables, Power Query), Power BI, Google Sheets • Payroll & Compliance Tools: Gusto, ADP, PayPal, Western Union, Time Doctor • Collaboration Tools: Click Up, Slack, Trello, Google Workspace, Zoom, Teams • Standards & Compliance: GAAP, IFRS, U.S. Payroll & Tax Reporting, Audit Preparedness Availability • Full-time availability • 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.