Chief Accountant

Chief AccountantPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, and commercially aware Chief Accountant to lead the organisation’s accounting and financial reporting activities. The ideal candidate will have strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and proven experience managing financial operations, month-end and year-end closing, reporting, budgeting, taxation, audits, and internal controls.The Chief Accountant will oversee the accuracy and integrity of financial records, support management with financial insights, ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations, and lead the accounting team in delivering timely and reliable financial information.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee the day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions.Lead and supervise the accounting team, including assigning responsibilities, reviewing work, providing guidance, and monitoring performance.Establish and maintain effective accounting procedures, financial controls, and reporting processes.Manage the preparation and completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.Review journal entries, general ledger accounts, reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, provisions, and other accounting adjustments.Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records and supporting documentation.Prepare and review financial statements, management accounts, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and other financial reports.Analyse financial results and provide meaningful explanations of variances, trends, and key financial movements.Prepare regular financial reports and management information for senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, expenses, payroll-related accounting, and other accounting functions.Review and approve account reconciliations to ensure balances are accurate and discrepancies are resolved promptly.Monitor cash flow, bank balances, receipts, payments, and working capital requirements.Coordinate with banks and financial institutions regarding account administration, payments, reconciliations, and other banking matters.Support the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets, forecasts, financial plans, and business projections.Analyse actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts and identify significant variances.Work closely with management and department heads to develop appropriate cost-control measures and improve financial performance.Monitor operating expenses and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency while maintaining business requirements.Ensure appropriate accounting treatment for revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, provisions, and other financial transactions.Maintain the company's chart of accounts and ensure appropriate classification and coding of financial transactions.Oversee fixed asset accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, depreciation, transfers, and asset reconciliations.Ensure timely preparation and submission of statutory financial reports and other required financial information.Coordinate annual external audits and act as a key point of contact for external auditors.Prepare audit schedules, supporting documents, reconciliations, and explanations requested by auditors.Follow up on audit findings and coordinate appropriate corrective actions with relevant departments.Coordinate with tax advisers and relevant internal teams on corporate tax, indirect taxes, withholding taxes, and other applicable tax matters.Ensure tax-related records, calculations, submissions, and payments are prepared accurately and within required deadlines.Monitor changes in accounting standards, financial regulations, tax requirements, and reporting obligations relevant to the organisation.Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, company policies, statutory requirements, and internal financial procedures.Develop and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and minimise financial risks.Identify potential financial control weaknesses, accounting risks, and process inefficiencies and recommend appropriate improvements.Investigate unusual transactions, accounting discrepancies, variances, and financial irregularities.Support internal audits, financial reviews, compliance checks, and management investigations when required.Ensure confidential financial information is properly protected and only made available to authorised personnel.Work closely with Finance, Procurement, Operations, HR, Sales, Legal, and other departments on financial and accounting matters.Provide financial guidance and accounting support for business projects, investments, contracts, purchases, and operational decisions.Review financial implications of business activities and provide management with relevant analysis and recommendations.Improve accounting workflows, reporting processes, reconciliation procedures, and financial systems to increase efficiency and accuracy.Support the implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of accounting software, ERP systems, and financial reporting tools.Ensure accounting records are properly maintained, organised, and readily available for internal and external review.Prepare ad hoc financial analysis, reports, schedules, and presentations requested by senior management.Maintain high standards of accuracy, integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality across all accounting activities.RequirementsProven experience as a Chief Accountant, Accounting Manager, Financial Controller, Senior Accountant, or similar senior accounting position.Strong knowledge of financial accounting, management accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, and financial controls.Strong understanding of accounting principles and applicable financial reporting standards.Demonstrated experience managing month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.Strong experience preparing and reviewing financial statements and management reports.Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and identify trends, risks, and variances.Strong understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, cash flow, and bank reconciliation processes.Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and cost-control activities.Strong knowledge of taxation, statutory reporting, audit processes, and regulatory compliance.Proven experience coordinating external audits and working with auditors, tax advisers, and financial institutions.Strong leadership and team-management skills with the ability to coach and develop accounting professionals.Excellent attention to detail and a high level of numerical accuracy.Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to meet strict financial reporting deadlines.Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.Proficient in Microsoft Excel and experienced with accounting software, ERP systems, and financial reporting platforms.Strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, financial procedures, and process improvement.High level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and professional judgement.Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior management and cross-functional teams.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CA, or an equivalent qualification is preferred.Relevant degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline is preferred.Experience within multinational organisations, corporate environments, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, logistics, or other commercial industries is an advantage.