Chief Accountant

Company Description Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd is a family-owned integrated logistics company specializing in comprehensive maritime and inland solutions across Nigeria and West Africa. The company operates Nigeria’s first fully indigenous container vessel, the Ocean Dragon, and manages multiple terminals with a combined capacity of over 6,000 TEUs, serving major ports along the West African coast. Clarion Shipping provides end-to-end logistics services, including export processing, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, haulage, warehousing, and more, to ensure cargo moves efficiently and reliably from port to final destination. A highly skilled team with deep regional expertise and a strong terminal network underpins the company’s focus on reliability, consistent service delivery, and streamlined supply chain solutions. As the business grows, Clarion Shipping continues to invest in sustainable shipping practices and technology-driven efficiencies to enhance customer experience.Role Description The Chief Accountant is a full-time, on-site role based in Lagos, responsible for leading the finance and accounting function and ensuring accurate, compliant financial management. This role oversees the preparation of financial statements, management accounts, and regulatory reports, while maintaining robust internal controls and adherence to local and international accounting standards. The Chief Accountant manages budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and cost control, providing financial insights to support strategic decisions across logistics, shipping operations, and terminal management. Day-to-day tasks include supervising the accounting team, reviewing reconciliations, monitoring accounts payable and receivable, coordinating audits and tax filings, and optimizing financial processes and systems. The role also involves collaborating with operations and leadership teams to assess financial risks, support investment decisions, and improve overall financial performance.Qualifications Strong financial accounting and reporting skills, including preparation of financial statements, management accounts, and reconciliations.Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and cash flow management within a logistics, shipping, or related industry.Proficiency in the use of accounting software and ERP systems, with solid Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities.Thorough knowledge of IFRS and local accounting standards, tax regulations, and compliance requirements in Nigeria.Proven experience leading and mentoring accounting teams, with effective delegation, performance management, and collaboration skills.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with attention to detail and a high level of integrity.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, or equivalent is highly preferred.Prior experience in a senior accounting or finance leadership role, ideally in shipping, logistics