Reasons You Should Ask Interviewers Questions In Job Interviews

Having an interview go really smooth is every job candidate’s prayer. You just want to accurately answer all the questions thrown at you, shake their hands and faces goodbye; and dash out of the room. Bam! Everybody is happy. Maybe that worked in the 19th century when jobs chased after people but not in this era where recruiters are too busy looking for a few candidates in a stack of perceived qualified candidates.

Job interviews are a rare thing to come by but once you get the opportunity to attend one, anything less than a good impression would send you back to the job market. You may be thinking asking questions in an interview is a no-no for jobseekers but interviewers aren’t there to suck up all the oxygen either.

While the spotlight’s on you, you also want to know some things about the company and the people you’ll be working with. Asking interviewers questions (as appropriate) livens up the interview and makes it more interactive, interviewers don’t feel boring – or bored- and it opens up an avenue to get as much clarity on any gray area.
This is not a post about the kinds of questions you should and should not ask in job interviews but you can find more tips on that here and here.

That said, so what does asking questions do to interviewers?

1.It shows you are a thinker. It shows you are smart. It shows you’d rather save your recruiters any further stress if you are not up for the job. This could be in two ways, it could either grow the impression that you belong with them or that you don’t fit in. whichever way that goes, ask questions because you want to be sure you belong with them too.

I was once interviewed for a position, the job description sounded fun to me but I wasn’t so convinced about the role. I asked the interviewer what I’ll be doing in my first few weeks if I got the job; and as he explained, I realized it wasn’t a good fit for me. I could go on to do the job but I won’t be happy doing it. That mattered more to me and I would have been in for a rude awakening if I kept mute on that during the interview.

2. Recruiters sense your level of interest. You would buy into a product if you see the manufacturer just doesn’t want to get money out of your wallet but is also interested in your well-being and really thinks his product does the magic. Asking questions in interviews pretty much does the same thing. You don’t give off that ‘I am desperate’ impression and it shows you are willing to give the job your best. A question like “what would be your expectations from me in the first few months on this job’’ can give recruiters a really good time

3.  It shows you’ve been listening. Interviewers hate to feel they are boring and when you give a flat ‘no’ in response to ”do you have any questions?” , you may not get them liking you that much. Listening is a highly sought after skill by most recruiters and a good listener is naturally inquisitive. And of course, listening saves you the risk and shame of asking an already answered question.

4.  It shows you are confident. This is a complete turn-on for interviewers, your confidence shows you know why you are there and you have a high self-esteem. Confidence gives you the freedom to be you and it’s a good way to ace interviews

5. You add the wow effect. To whatever impression they have of you. Like I mentioned earlier, that’s what recruiters look out for. All job candidates can suddenly start looking the same but if you make recruiters stop to stare. That’s a first step to getting that job offer.

Mark Zuckerberg Is Now Worth $3.7 Billion More Than Thursday Morning

After reporting its second quarter earnings on Wednesday, Facebook's stock is surging and so is Mark Zuckerberg's net worth.

It is trading at the highest price since Facebook's IPO in May 2012. The stock opened then at $38 per share; it closed yesterday at $34.36 up from the low 20s. The nearly 30% increase means Mark Zuckerberg, who vowed not to sell any of his shares during Facebook's first year as a publicly-traded company,  is worth $3.7 billion more today than he was yesterday morning. That brings his total net worth to about $16.1 billion.

The sudden faith in Facebook stems from its visible improvement in mobile. During Wednesday's earnings call, Zuckerberg noted that 41% of Facebook's total ad revenue was coming from mobile, up from 30% the quarter prior. Mobile monetization is something investors are watching closely; the unsuccessful transition from a desktop to a mobile experience is killing other companies quickly.

Facebook's revenue also beat Wall Street expectations on Wednesday. The social network reported revenue of $1.81 billion versus the $1.62 billion analysts were expecting. Importantly, Facebook's mobile monthly active users are also rising. Facebook reported mobile MAUs of 819 million, up 51 percent year over year.

Accounts Assistant Required

Accounts Assistant Jobs Kenya. 
Salary: Ksh. 40,000-Ksh.50,000
Job Position Title: Accounts Assistant
Reports To:  Accountant

Job Summary: 
This is a staff position within the Accounts Department, in a logistics and Freight Company situated at JKIA with prospects for growth and career development.

Essential Functions: 
1.    Journals – Double entries
2.     Reconciliation: Bank, Invoices
3.    Treasury/Cash management
4.    Ledgers Preparation
5.    Statutory payments: PAYE,VAT,Levies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
1. Strong interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to work without supervision.
3. Creative thinker.
4. Good time management skills.

Training and Experience: 
1. Bachelors degree in a Numerical field with or CPA Part III /ACCA(final part)
2. Three or more years experience in a commercial environment
3. Computer Literate Windows 7, Excel and Tally/Pastel accounting systems

How to apply
If you are qualified send your CV to bkiguru@airconnectionltd.com by Friday  5pm, 19th July 2013.

Please do not attach certificates, only qualified candidates will be contacted

Ways Of How To Do Wonders With A Little Salary

It’s no longer hidden knowledge that a vast majority of the employees in Kenya today actually get a paycheck that they can barely survive on till the next paycheck. However, irrespective of how much you earn, you can still do wonders with that little salary of yours.

Here’s a rundown of 4 ways to make something out of that little salary you call nothing

1. Assess the Situation- First off; you’ve got to access your current financial situation. Assessing your financial situation lets you gain insight into where exactly you stand with respect to your finances. And unless you know exactly what money you have coming in and what you have going out, you can’t know for sure where you stand and how to make plans towards making it better.

Here are some things to do to accurately assess your financial situation

a.    Sit down with your spouse (if you’re married) or alone and get a pen and paper (don’t underestimate the power of this) and write down all the money that you have coming in on a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly basis.

b.    After you’ve done that, write down all your compulsory expenditures on a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly basis. The expenditure on this list should include expenses such as rent, feeding, Phone bills, debts, fueling for car (if you have one) and generator, transportation costs etc.

c.    Then, write down all other expenses which are not easy to define. These may include stuff such as clothing, travel costs, medical bills. This should basically include expenses that happen occasionally or does not have a fixed amount of money.
Be sure to try as much as you can to be accurate with your assessment, a reason why you should get a pen and paper in order to properly balance your household expenses.

2. Re – adjust your Budget- Now that you know what exactly comes in and what goes out. It’s time to re-adjust your budget (so as to reduce your monthly expenditure) based on your assessments above or create a budget plan (if you don’t have one) based on your current realities. When there’s not much coming in, it’s a very smart move to be completely aware about what you do have. Budgeting will show you exactly what you earn and how you’re spending it.

The main objective in re-adjusting your budget is to create a spending plan and be able to look around to see where you can cut down on unnecessary expenditure. By re-adjusting and sticking to a new budget plan, you would be amazed at how much you were spending on small, unnecessary items that quickly add up. By restricting your budget and cutting back on unnecessary expenditure, you’d manage to build up some savings. It may be hard but the pain you have to bear to put some money aside would be well worth it in the future.

In re-adjusting your budget (so as to reduce your monthly expenditure), the following tips would be of great help. The tips may not make you rich by themselves alone but they are sure to help you survive until better days arrive.
a.    Look at your grocery shopping and access if you’re wasting money. Buy bulk as much as possible as it works out cheaper.
b.    Take a good value packed lunch to work. This helps you cut down on expenses incurred by eating out and buying expensive readymade meals. Also avoid throwing food away unless you have to.
c.    Cut down on expensive mobile phone calls. You’d be amazed at how much you can put aside by just reducing the amount of recharge cards you purchase weekly.
d.    Change your shopping habits and look for good value rather than trying to impress people by going after brand names.
e.    Spend consciously. Many people just keep spending, spending and spending with little thought. Don’t be one of them.
f.    Avoid unnecessary debts at all cost.

However, it must be admitted that sticking to a budget plan may be a struggle, especially when you have to give into pressures of giving your family a treat or in situations such as
•A family member coming in for a week.
•When you least expect it, your best friend announces he or she is getting married and you have to find a way of paying money for dresses that they decide to use.
•Or you find that your kid (if you have one) is failing math and the only way to come to his rescue is to get him a tutor that would set you back a few bucks. etc

The best way to deal with this kind of situation is to come to terms with the fact that life is not perfect. And as a result, you should create a little room in your budget for the unplanned. You should also ensure that while struggling to keep to your budget, you should still have some fun occasionally. This occasional treat however should be included in your budget and this can be made possible by practicing the next step which is….

3. Create and Maintain a Contingency Fund- Like I stated above and which you would agree with, life is not perfect and there is need to always have a back-up plan. It’s called a contingency plan or plan B because you do not have control over everything. As a result, you need to create and maintain a contingency fund where you save a specific amount from your income weekly, bi-monthly or monthly.

It may seem an impossible task to put something aside considering the fact that you earn so little. But be rest assured that this can be made possible if you re-adjust your budget as advised above.

By readjusting your budget and cutting down on your expenditure using a combination of the tips offered above, you would be left with some lose funds. These lose funds can be saved in your contingency fund. Keep the money in a savings account. You would be amazed at just how such small change adds up over time. And after you’ve done this, don’t just sit and relax, you must do something to get out of the rat-race and move towards your dream of financial freedom and you can do this by doing the next thing which is

4. Create another Stream of Income- Practicing the above tips alone would not make you rich but like I stated earlier, but they would sure help you until the better days arrive. The essential component of getting rich is not just saving money; it’s knowing what to do with the money you have saved. And this where creating another stream of income comes in. However, I would be the first to admit that creating another stream of income while still holding a day job is not a stroll in the park because there are so many salient questions that bug the minds of employees trying to create another source of income.

And these include questions like;
1.    How do I create time to run my business such that it does not affect my current job?
2.    How do I raise money to fund my business project?
3.    How do I get to be involved in a business that’s guaranteed to succeed?
4.    Which business is out there that has a high likelihood of success considering the funds available at my disposal

But with advancement in technology and the turning of the world into a global market place where you do not have to be physically present all the time to make a business transaction, It’s now been made very easy. Now it’s possible to get involved in a highly profitable business that you can start with virtually no money in addition to the fact that;
You don’t need to invest in merchandise
You don’t have to rent a store/office
You don’t have to hire employees
You don’t need to quit your present job (@least not yet)
You may try this business model before you’ll have to make a final decision to quit your job
And this incredible money making business offers fantastic profit potential

There you have them, 4 ways to do wonders with your little salary. Go ahead and act on them and see your life change for good.

This is to your success!!!

Male Cashier (Salary 20,000-30,000)

Accountant Careers in Kenya

Male Cashier (Salary 20,000-30,000) 
Readvertisement

Our client is the vehicle sales and leasing industry. They are looking for a Cashier who will be based in Ruaraka off Thika Road.
The main purpose of the position is receiving payments from customers. The cashier will be responsible to the Financial Accountant for serving customers in the cash office.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Receiving and receipting payments from customers and updating customer’s accounts
Paying out petty cash and maintaining petty cash account
Posting post dated cheques to the system and ensuring that the postdated cheques register is up to date and ensuring safe custody of the postdated cheques
Daily banking of cash and cheques
Reconciling petty cash, cash in hand
Making cash payments
Withdrawing of cash, collecting cheque books, presenting and collecting unpaid cheques
Safe keeping of unbanked cash and cheques

Qualification Requirements
Diploma in Business Administration, CPA or SACCO qualifications
Must have worked either as an accountant or a cashier
Must have good leadership skills
A Certificate in Computer Applications (Windows, Ms-Word, Ms-Excel, Ms-Access,
Internet and Accounting Software) from a recognized institution
High attention to detail
Good interpersonal skills
Good communication skills written and oral
Good customer service skills
The desired candidate must be male and over 27 years old

Note: the reporting time is 6 am to 3pm in the evening.

If you meet the above requirements, send your CV only indicating (Male Cashier Gross Salary 25-30K) on the email subject tovacancies@corporatestaffing.co.ke before 26th July 2013.

Please indicate current or last salary. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We do not charge for interviews.

The Recruiting Manager
Corporate staffing Services
3rd Floor, Nabui House, Westlands
www.corporatestaffing.co.ke

Accounts Assistant Job

Accounts Assistant Jobs in Kenya
Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA) is a Kenya-based NGO which is a member of the global Hand in Hand international family, with independent operations within the Eastern Africa region and headquartered in Nairobi.

HiH EA’s mission is focused on reducing poverty through job creation.

HiH EA intends to fill the following vacancies and invites applications from suitably qualified individuals.

Accounts Assistant
Ref No: ACC AST 01- 2013

Key Responsibilities
The Accounts Assistant will be responsible for the entry of data, verification of financial and accounting information in the MIS and for compiling and transmitting reports and analyses to management.

The Accounts Assistant will also be charged with the responsibility to ensure that all the primary financial and accounting transactions at their level comply with organization procedures, policies and
guidelines.

Duties
Input and verify data in the Management Information System (MIS)
Carry out reconciliations and ensure accuracy and up-dating of bank, loan and savings records
Raise journal vouchers to correct errors in the MIS
Generate accurate, useful and timely reports for information and decision making
Maintain safe custody and ensure proper access and retrieval of physical and computerized files and records
Maintain accounting records within set standards
Prepare relevant vouchers as required and with all supporting documents
Receive and verify payment claims and supporting documents
Ensure compliance with organisation policies and procedures on all financial and accounting transactions
Maintain assets and resources under their custody in good condition

Specifications
CPA II holder
3 years experience in a busy Accounting Department
Proficiency in the use of computerized accounting systems and Microsoft suite packages
A self starter working with minimal supervision
Integrity and willingness to commit to the HiH EA’s mission and values

Qualified and interested candidates can forward a cover letter and their CV’s, citing the Position and Reference Number to HiH EA Head Office via the emailcareers@handinhandea.org by 19th July, 2013.

Finance and Administrative Assistant

Title: Finance and Administrative Assistant, K-FELTP/UCSF
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 4 months with possibility of extension depending on availability of funds
Closing Date: 19th July 2013

Position Description
The Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) together with the University of Califonia San Francisco(UCSF)  will be undertaking a large scientific study among fishing communities in Nyanza.

The Finance and Administrative Assistant, under the direct supervision of the Program Support Manager and overall supervision of the Director – FELTP, will provide Finance and Administrative support to FELTP/UCSF Fisherfolk study.

General Administration Support
Liaise with FELTP and UCSF and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication of relevant administrative and financial information and documentation
Provide logistical arrangements  for meetings and trainings, duties may include booking venues, transport arrangements, creating and distributing invitations
Provide administrative support to FELTP

Finance
Adhere to transparent accounting practices and strictly follow FELTP and donor (UCSF) financial management procedures.
Process approved programmatic payments in a timely and accurate manner
Maintain accurate and updated programmatic records of income and expenditure
Prepare bank reconciliations on a monthly basis
Report monthly  to the supervisor on the status of income and expenditure
Assist the Program Support Manager to forecast programmatic costs on a quarterly basis
Create, store and transfer financial records so as to ensure compliance with the established FELTP and UCSF financial guidelines
Recommend to the direct supervisor continuous improvements to FELTP/UCSF administrative and financial management tools, guidelines and controls
Perform any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor

Qualifications:
Desired-Diploma (or higher) in accounting, administration, or related field-
CPA part 2 or more or equivalent qualification
Minimum two years Administrative and Finance work experience in government, parastatal, or NGO setting(s).
Demonstrated experience in accounting, budgeting, monitoring expenditure and maintenance of petty cash
Demonstrated experience using spreadsheets (MS Excel) in professional setting.
Demonstrated ability to use MS Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint).
Demonstrated experience of handing donor funded projects-CDC,USAID,EC,
Ability to write concisely and clearly in English.
Kenyan national.
Preferred – University degree in business management or public administration.

Application Requirements:
Applicants desiring consideration for this post should submit the following indicating the position being applied for:
a) Current CV;
b) Application Letter
c) List of  3 CURRENT referee names and up-to-date contact information.

Interested candidates should submit the above to:

The Director, Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program by any of the following means not later than 19th July 2013:

Email: jobs@feltp.or.ke

Delivery: Re: Job Application,

Finance and Administrative Assistant
Field Epidemiology Training Program (FELTP)
UCSF Fisherfolk Study
Next to National Public Health Laboratories Building
(Behind The Government Chemist)
Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds
Nairobi, Kenya

Only candidates qualifying for the initial short list will be contacted for an interview.

Sales Marketing Job Vacancies

Sales Marketing Job Vacancies in Kenya 2013. 
We are looking at recruiting for the following positions for our client who is based in Mombasa Kenya.

The positions are urgent and we would like people who have FMCG background

1. Team Leader (Sales) – within Kenya

2. Team Leader (3 positions), Exports Department – working in Tanzania

3. Commercial Controller (Export Sales) – Based in Mombasa
4. Trade Representatives assistant – Central

Kindly send the CVs by Wednesday 17th July 2013 tobentleys@bentleysinter.com stating salary expectations and availability

Admin Assistant (Logistics)

Vacancy No. FN-066-07-2013

 

Program Description: Research Care and Training Program (RCTP) is collaboration between the KenyaMedical Research Institute (KEMRI), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and University of Washington (UW). 

RCTP leads the Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) program, a comprehensive HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment program working in 100 clinics in Nyanza Province, Kenya.

Position: Admin Assistant (Logistics) 

1 Position

Duty Station: Suba/Mbita with frequent visits to Rongo and Uriri

Reports to: Administration Coordinator
 

Duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate and allocate duties to drivers and riders.
• Ensure all supplies are in place before and after each health campaign
• Management of vehicle, Motor cycle and Motor Boats inventory and related accessories.
• Ensure Vehicles, Motor Boats and Motor cycles are maintained and kept in good working conditions and are clean.
• Assesses and organizes logistics in terms of transport requirements, receipt, handling, storage and distribution of office and health campaign supplies
• Supervises and coordinates the work of locally recruited staff

Education and Qualifications

• Possess a Diploma in logistics, business administration or related business study
• O-Level School Certificate.
• At least a Certificate in either Business Administration, project management or purchasing and procurement
• At least one year’s experience in a busy, preferably research setting
• Proficiency in MS Office software

Skills and Specifications

• Thorough method of working with ability to work under pressure to pursue multiple tasks simultaneously to successful conclusions;
• Ability to live and work in a fairly isolated area and in conditions of limited comfort;
• Excellent written and spoken English essential
• Good management skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Good Interpersonal relations.
• Capable of working for long hours and sometimes at odd situations.
• Working Knowledge of Ms Office package.
• Capable of working for long hours and sometimes at odd situations.

Applications must include the following:

• Cover letter stating
  current position of employment with responsibilities (if applicable),
  current salary and date of availability to begin work on the project
• A current CV with names and telephone contacts for at least 2 referees
• Copies of academic and professional certificates and copy of the latest pay slip
• At least two recommendation letters, preferably from previous employers

All applications must be sent to the address below by 26th July 2013:

Human Resources Manager
KEMRI – RCTP/ FACES Program
P. O Box 614-40100
Kisumu

Note:

Please write the Position and Vacancy Number indicated in the advert on the envelope. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Accountant Required

Accounting jobs in Kenya. Our client is a leading five star hotel located in Nairobi. due to increased workload, management wants to recruit two accountants on a temporary basis with a potential for these jobs to be permanent depending on business.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
Handle statutory returns
Assist in payroll preparations
Handle accounts payable and receivables
Assist in Audit preparation work
Maintain accounting records and reconciliation controls of approved budgets
Cost accounting
Facilitate stocktaking activities
Any other duty assigned from time to time

Required Qualifications
Preferred CPA Part two minimum
At least 3 years experience in accounting
Must be proficient in Quick Books and Microsoft Office
Suitable candidate should be of unquestionable integrity
They should also be dynamic and a team player
Be experience in all areas of accounting
Ability to work to tight deadlines in a pressurized environment
Have high good attention to detail

N.B:
Prospective candidates SHOULD not be working and should be available to take up the offer immediately.

If you meet the above requirements send your CV only, indicating the title (Accountant Salary 45K) on the subject line tojobs@corporatestaffing.co.ke. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kindly send your applications before the 20th July, 2013

Recruitment Manager
Corporate Staffing services
3rd Floor, Nabui House, Unga Lane Westlands (Next To Unga House) Nairobi.
Website: www.corporatestaffing.co.ke

Personal Assistant For Law Firm (Salary 50,000- 60,000k)

 Re- Advertisement
Our client is an Advocates, Lawyers & Commissioners For Oath & Notaries Public. They are looking for a Personal Assist who shall who shall report to the Director.

Job Responsibilities 
Deputizing for the Director, making decisions and delegating work to others in the Directors absence
Devising and maintaining office systems, including data management and filing
Screening telephone calls, enquiries and requests, and handling them when appropriate
Meeting and greeting visitors at all levels of seniority
Organizing and maintaining diaries and making appointments
Dealing with incoming email, faxes and post, often corresponding on behalf of their manager
Taking dictation and minutes
Making travel arrangements
Carrying out background research and presenting findings
Producing documents, briefing papers, reports and presentations
Organizing and helping to coordinate meetings
Liaising with clients, suppliers and other staff
Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information

Required Qualifications
A Maximum of a diploma in Business Administration or related field
At least 2 years as a personal assistant for a senior official and in the service industry.
Excellent telephone and office etiquette
Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and Power point)
Ability to work independently and smart
Dependable, responsible, reliable and attentive to detail
Ability to maintain confidentiality as well as discretion critical
They should also not be working for this position will require someone to start immediately.

If you meet the above requirements send your CV only, tojobs@corporatestaffing.co.ke, indicating the title (Personal Assistant 50k-60k) on the subject line, the job closes on the 12th of July 2013.

Kindly indicate your salary in your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We do not charge for interviews.

Recruitment Manager
Corporate Staffing Services
3rd Floor, Nabui House, Unga Lane Westlands (Next To Unga House) Nairobi.
Website: www.corporatestaffing.co.ke

Ways To Get What You Want In Life

What do you want out of life? Sounds like a pretty easy question, so what do you really, really, want out of life?  It could be a big house, a Range Rover, a fruitful career, or maybe you need lots of money. What does money give you though? Freedom? And what does freedom give you?  If you dig deep enough, you’ll realize all you want is to feel good, at least that’s what most people want, it’s human.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting be happy. Psychology shows that even the people who help others have a longing of wanting to feel good about themselves and in helping others they achieve that.

Today, we live in a world where if you want something really, really bad, you go for it. Nothing good comes easy. It takes more than wishful thinking in getting a career of your dreams, a car or even a wife/husband! Things don’t fall from heaven like manna.

With that said, how do you get from wishful thinking to getting what you really want? To infuse your life with happiness, bliss and joy let’s look at some tips which will help you get what you really, really want out of life.

1.Know what you want.
In other words have clarity of what you really want.  Career wise, it could be a new job that you have set your eyes on and you want it so bad you can taste it in your mouth, you maybe want a salary increment or a job promotion. In life, maybe you’ve set your eyes on a particular girl or guy and you wouldn’t mind getting to know them better. Getting to know what you want is the first step.

2.Set some goals.

It becomes much easier if you have some guidelines on how you want you want to go about get what you want. If it’s getting that girl, know how you are going to approach her and woo her, if it’s that new job, have a plan on how you are going to make the transition. Fail to plan, plan to fail.

3.Cultivate a positive attitude.
It all depends on our outlook of we view life. A positive attitude goes a long way when we believe we get what we lay our eyes on. Call it being cocky but a negative attitude demoralises us even before we have set on anything. It’s all in the mind. YOU CAN DO IT. Now all you have to do is believe and work on it. Be a person who sees a glass half full and not half empty.

4.Give to Receive.
As mentioned earlier, people who give have  a longing of wanting to feel good about themselves. It doesn’t have to be material things, you can give in terms of  time, advice, love, hard work and so many things. I don’t know how good it feels for you, but I know it feels amazing whenever I do something nice for someone else.

5.Embrace the uncomfortable and the difficulties.
All precious metals go through a lot of heating to become treasured metals. Think of all the heating and refining that Gold and Diamond have to go through, but in the end they emerge to become one of the expensive and treasured substance on earth. Same thing applies to us, difficulties along the way, negative people telling you what you have set your eyes on is unattainable, shun it all. What doesn’t kill you , only makes you stronger.  Once you realize this, you embrace uncomfortable events and experiences, because you know that they are there for a reason.

Know what you want and go get it! What I am trying to convey with this article is this: it’s up to you to make that crucial choice if you are just going to wallow in wishful thinking, remain a dreamer or get things moving the way you want them to.

Career-Restraining Blunders You Should Avoid

“Be happy that you even have a job,” is the common phrase we hear all over the place regardless of industry or job function. Expressing your dissatisfaction in a job sometimes gives some people the impression that you are not grateful for the paycheck that an unemployed person does not have at the moment. It’s not such a bad thing to want employment satisfaction. But the big issue is that most of us immediately go into a status quo and lack career development plan. We just want to work in exchange for the security of a steady pay check.

There is one important thing you need to understand about your career: there are good mistakes and bad ones. There are some mistakes you should make because you’ll learn from them and move on. They’re not career-limiting.  Then there are mistakes that you should avoid like the plague because they are career limiting. They’ll forever keep you from fulfilling your potential. They’ll make you regretful, bitter, resentful and miserable. It is all too easy to destroy your career if you make some of these mistakes.

1. Sticking with a loser company. Companies are like airplanes; you’re not the pilot and you didn’t design or build the plane. You just go where it goes. All too often, that’s nowhere. You get complacent and, next thing you know, your career has flatlined and your time has run out. You need to think of employers as business opportunities; you want as many as possible to be winners.

2. Not putting yourself out there. The vast majority of people find a comfort zone and settle in there. They don’t aggressively manage their

careers. That’s fine, as long as you don’t mind waking up 10 years later in the same job. If you want to get ahead, you need to network, schmooze and open yourself up to opportunities.

3. Trusting that your employer will take care of you. There are so many things wrong with that sentence. Don’t trust your career to anyone but you. Your employer most likely sees you as an expendable, replaceable, at-will worker. You know, trust is built on two things in corporate America: a pattern of behavior and legal agreements. And I wouldn’t trust the former without the latter.

4. Thinking you’re entitled to more. You’re entitled to what you earn. No more, no less. If you expect more than you work for and deserve, you’ll get nowhere and end up blaming everyone but the one person who could have done something about it: you. That’s just how it is, like it or not.

5. Not taking enough risks. No risk, no reward. The only real risk is not taking any. The poet Robert Browning said, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp.” Pick your phrase and own it. You need to take risks. And if you take more when you’re younger, you won’t have to take so many when you’re older.

6. Making work about you. Business is about business; it’s not about you. It’s not about what you want, what you like, what you think of your boss or your coworkers, or even your principles. If you don’t like where you are and what you’re doing, quit and go somewhere else. It’s a free country. Or start your own business. Then you can do whatever you want.

7. Thinking it’s not about the money. It’s absolutely true that you should do what you’re passionate about; that is the best way to achieve success. Just don’t make believe money doesn’t count.

8. Getting stuck behind a “going-nowhere” boss. Maybe your boss doesn’t like you. Maybe he’s a loser, his boss is a loser, or the whole division is going nowhere. Whatever the reason, don’t waste years trapped in a cubicle cage by a loser boss. Find another job where you’ve got a chance of going somewhere.

9. Being too impatient. When you’re reasonably certain the writing’s on the wall and it’s time for a change, do it. Otherwise, don’t get impatient and expect everything to happen all at once. Success is like a stock market chart. It goes up and down but, over time, the trajectory is hopefully up and to the right. Life is long and so is your career. It’s a long distance run, not a sprint. Mixed metaphors, I know, but they’re true, nonetheless.

Finance Manager Vacancy

ICAP at Columbia University (CU) seeks a Finance Manager for an upcominghealth program in Kenya. 

Applications are invited for the following position:
 

Finance Manager
 

Location: Mombasa, Kenya – Full Time
 

Overall Purpose
 

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the Finance Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of technical efforts and field activities by providing accounting, administrative, management, and logistical support to facilitate the implementation of program activities. 

The Finance Manager ensures that financial management, personnel,administrative, and contractual operations systems are conducted according to ICAP regulations, standard operating procedures, and good business practices.
 

The Finance Manager safeguards ICAP’s assets (financial and physical) against fraud, loss, or misuse. 

He or she ensures that any money expended in the field is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, ICAP Policy, and any cost principles imposed by ICAP or the funder. 

He or she must demonstrate the ability to use sound business judgment in assuring that all costs are reasonable and necessary for the completion of the office projects and ICAP’s mission.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all project-specific financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Prepare accurate project budgets, track expenses, ensure that required project financial controls and cost performance monitoring mechanisms are in place and adhered to, prevent over expenditure of budgets, ensure proper safeguards of funds, and ensure compliance with established USG and headquarters’ financial and accounting procedures
• Apply detailed financial reporting and project costs reimbursement process in accordance with established financial system
• In collaboration with COP, manage all sub-grants to local grantees ensuring sub-awardees’ compliance and reporting
• Provide guidance and support for contracts development and management
• Ensure that funder resources are appropriately directed to project priorities and are in line with project work plans
• Manage cash flow, including funds transfers and petty cash.
• Estimate upcoming cash needs and accrue expenditures as appropriate
• Issue and collect project advances
• Obtain authorization for and pay local costs
• Reconcile bank accounts and field advance accounts each month
• Record all financial transactions into an approved ICAP Field Expense Accounting System, and submit timely reports each month
• Maintain thorough documentation of all field financial transactions
• Apply internal systems for obtaining purchase approvals and use of assets ensuring the adequate application of internal controls
• Maintain current standing with all mandated tax and registrations, including submission of payments and required reports
• Oversee local procurement and execute all approved payments for local vendors, contractors, and consultants for goods and services received, in accordance with the laws and regulations of Kenya, as well as with ICAP and funder regulations
• Assist in the preparation and management of project budgets and pipeline expenditures
• Maintain inventories and controls over project office fixed assets, such as furnishings and computer equipment
• Process local payroll and benefits and administer benefits plan

Education:

• Master’s Degree in finance and accounting and certified public accountant or equivalent

Experience, Skills & Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing USAID or other donor-financed projects
• Strong familiarity and command of USAID regulations and compliance
• At least three years of experience in an independent administrative position with advanced bookkeeping responsibilities
• Work experience with projects supported by international organizations
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail along with data entry experience) and Quickbooks
• Demonstrated translation/interpretation skills and relevant experience
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Experience with organizing workshops and training courses and with preparing and monitoring budgets
• Excellent communication skills
• English and Kiswahili fluency required, including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading, and the ability to conduct business in both languages
• Ability to work in a team
• Experience developing and interpreting standard financial reports (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow) and creation of Journal entries preferred

Application Instructions
 

Note: 

This is a local hire position and the successful candidate will be an employee of ICAP in Kenya subject to the local terms and conditions of employment which includes a competitive salary and benefits package. 

Please do not attach any certificates when submitting on line. 

This position is contingent upon project award and funding.
 

Please send an application letter and CV by email with a subject title “Finance Manager” to icap.vacancies@gmail.com before 5th July 2013. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
 

Columbia University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.