Accounting Jobs In Kenya: Is The Industry Saturated & How Can You Survive?

One of the frustrations that jobseekers in Kenya face is applying for jobs and not getting any inter views? As a candidate all you are left wondering is whether your application reached the intended people.

While there is so much you can do to tilt the scales to your favour, the thousands of applications on some jobs makes it even more difficult.

According to Ms. Carolyne Kariuki, it is no surprise that accounting jobs in Kenya, administration, customer service, NGOs, government and the likes receive more than 3,000 applications on a single post?

It is no doubt that the accounting is among the oldest professions in Kenya. Every organization be it small or big requires accounting professionals, which is the reason why this field has become saturated. Opportunities in this industry are always many but not as many as the number of job seekers applying for them.

“In a single accounting job we advertise, applications start streaming in immediately the job is live. These applications can reach up to a thousand and most of them are equally qualified. This means that if you only need one candidate, 92% of these applications will not be reviewed.” Says Ms. Kariuki a statement that is echoed by Mr. Evans Mutuma a HR Assistant at the same company.

“In my own experience as a recruiter, I have about 20-30 seconds to scan through a CV. Now imagine hundreds of accounting CVs with similar qualifications. This means that if I get my first ten candidates within the first bunch, the rest don’t make it.”

Must Read >>> What Is The Starting Salary of A CPA Holder in Kenya? 

Accounting Jobs In Kenya – How Then Do You Survive In This Saturated Field?

1. Acquire A Good Accounting Foundation

According to Ms. Kariuki, having a CPA (K) will ensure that you meet the requirements for all accountants in Kenya.

It serves as a good foundation in this dynamic profession. Also be conversant with the international financial standards. This will help you have an edge over the local market.

2. Specialize in something

In any profession, becoming an expert in a field will make you stand out because employers will prefer candidates with specialized expertise as opposed to those with only general skills.

This is not so different with the accounting jobs in Kenya. You need to specialize so as to become an expert in your field. Whether you decide to specialize on tax and become a Tax, Payroll or Internal Audit, it will make you look unique and ahead of other candidates.

3. Acquire Strong IT Skills

Having an IT background coupled with an accounting qualification serves as an added advantage because employers are looking for job seekers who can be able to post data thanks to most tasks in the field becoming automated .

For this reason, they want people who are technology savvy to bring and execute better solutions and strategies.

Find Out >>> 5 Key Skills All CPA Holders In Kenya Must Have To Succeed

4. Become A Problem Solver

Any employer would want to hire someone who can solve problems and if you are not able to execute that, you won’t be needed.

This is a key aspect that most employers are keen on. Also, possessing good work ethics and integrity is a vital requirement in the accounting profession.

There are numerous opportunities in the accounting field and what is important for any job seeker is to be updated with the accounting backgrounds and principles. This way, you can be able to find your niche.

Read Also >>> Which Is Better Between A ACCA Or CPA? 

The accounting profession may be saturated but no matter how much the word advances, the need for accountants will never cease. As saturated as it is, you can still get a grip on the job market by following what I have talked about in this article. Apply for accounting jobs in Kenya early enough as soon as they are advertised to avoid being locked out on opportunities you would have otherwise gotten.