Accounting Jobs in Kenya: Salaries, CPA and Where to Apply
Updated 2026-11-10
Every employer needs accounts kept, so accounting jobs in Kenya cover every sector: county and national government, state corporations, banks, NGOs, audit firms and private companies. This guide explains what each level of accounting job asks for, what public service posts pay right now, which qualifications employers actually check, and how to get the first job.
Where accounting jobs are advertised
County governments recruit accountants, revenue officers and internal auditors through their County Public Service Boards. Nakuru and Kitui both advertised accounting posts in 2026. See county government jobs.
State corporations and regulators (for example the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority and the Financial Reporting Centre, both hiring finance staff in late 2026) advertise on their own careers portals.
Audit firms and banks run graduate and trainee intakes once or twice a year, usually advertised on their websites.
Private companies and NGOs advertise on their sites and job boards; finance roles in NGOs often need donor-reporting experience.
Public adverts state their salary scales, which makes them the most reliable pay benchmark available. Current examples from official adverts:
Post
Employer and grade
Basic salary per month
Accountant I (25 posts, 2026)
Nakuru County, CPSB 9 (Job Group K)
KSh 41,420 - 57,230
Internal Audit and Risk Officer II
IPOA, grade IPOA 9 (October 2026)
KSh 90,000 - 130,000 (consolidated)
County posts follow the national CPSB scale; state agencies set their own grades, which often pay more for the same work, as the IPOA advert shows. Every CPSB grade is on the salary scales page. Private-sector pay varies widely by employer and city; public scales are a useful floor when you negotiate.
Qualifications employers check
CPA (Kenya) from KASNEB is the qualification most Kenyan adverts ask for. Entry posts usually want CPA Part II or a finished CPA; senior posts want full CPA plus a degree.
ACCA is widely accepted, especially by multinationals, audit firms and NGOs.
ICPAK membership: the Accountants Act requires registration with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya to practise, and a practising certificate to offer public practice services such as signing audits. Public adverts for accountant posts routinely require membership in good standing.
A degree in commerce, accounting or finance for officer-level posts; diploma holders enter as accounts assistants or clerks.
Systems: IFMIS for government roles; QuickBooks, Sage or an ERP for private roles. Name the systems you have used in your CV.
Getting your first accounting job
Accounts assistant and accounts clerk posts are the usual entry point for diploma holders and CPA students.
Graduate trainee programmes at banks, audit firms and state corporations take fresh graduates; they are advertised once or twice a year and fill fast.
Public internships (for example the Public Service Internship Programme) give recognised experience. See internships in Kenya.
Tailor every application to the advert’s exact requirements, using a clean CV and a specific application letter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant earn in Kenya?
In county public service, an accountant at CPSB 9 (Job Group K) earns a basic salary of KSh 41,420 to 57,230 a month. Some state agencies pay more: IPOA’s Internal Audit and Risk Officer II advert (October 2026) offers a consolidated KSh 90,000 to 130,000. Private pay varies by employer.
Do I need CPA to get an accounting job in Kenya?
Most adverts ask for CPA, at least Part II for entry posts and full CPA for senior posts. ACCA is widely accepted instead, especially by multinationals and NGOs.
Do I need to be an ICPAK member?
To practise as an accountant, the Accountants Act requires ICPAK registration, and offering public practice services such as audits needs a practising certificate. Public accountant adverts usually require membership in good standing.
Where can I find accounting jobs in Kenya today?
County board and state corporation careers pages, bank and audit firm websites, and job boards. The board lists every verified open accounting and finance post with a link to the official advert.