Chief Accountant

Role Responsibilities General Accounting Functions ● Financial Record-Keeping: Accurately prepare and maintain comprehensive financial records, including journals, ledgers, and reconciliations, ensuring they comply with accounting standards. ● Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, providing management with clear, insightful reports to support decision-making. ● Transaction Management: Oversee the processing of payments, receipts, and invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies. ● Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with tax laws and financial regulations, including VAT, payroll taxes, and corporate tax obligations. ● Audit Support: Assist in the preparation for annual audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations for financial records. Cost Accounting and Control ● Cost Tracking and Reporting: Monitor, analyze, and report on costs associated with the company’s production, sales, and operational activities. ● Inventory Costing: Oversee the costing of inventory, ensuring that stock levels are maintained efficiently, and that costs are accurately allocated to products and services. ● Cost Optimization: Identify opportunities for cost savings across operations by conducting detailed cost analysis and proposing actionable strategies to reduce waste and improve efficiency. ● Budgeting and Forecasting: Collaborate with other departments to prepare annual budgets and forecasts, offering detailed cost projections and ensuring adherence to set financial targets. ● Variance Analysis: Regularly review budgeted versus actual costs, identifying significant variances and implementing corrective actions to align actual costs with budget expectations. Financial Analysis and Strategic Support ● Data-Driven Insights: Provide the leadership team with actionable financial insights based on cost trends, variances, and market conditions. ● Performance Metrics: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to financial performance, including profitability, operational efficiency, and cost ratios. ● Ad-hoc Reporting: Prepare financial analyses on an ad-hoc basis for specific projects or strategic initiatives to help guide operational decisions. ● Cost-Effectiveness: Work with department heads to identify areas where cost reductions can be made without sacrificing quality or operational performance. Internal Controls and Risk Management ● Process Improvement: Work to improve internal financial processes and controls, ensuring that financial transactions are recorded accurately and efficiently. ● Risk Assessment: Assess and identify potential risks in financial operations, implementing mitigation strategies to safeguard company assets. ● Compliance Assurance: Ensure that all financial transactions and accounting practices adhere to industry standards and legal requirements. Tax and Regulatory Compliance ● Tax Returns: Prepare and file tax returns in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring full compliance with local and national tax regulations. ● Tax Planning: Advise management on potential tax-saving strategies, ensuring that the company remains compliant while minimizing tax liabilities. ● Regulatory Reporting: Stay current with changes in financial regulations and ensure that the company’s accounting practices align with new compliance requirements. Qualifications and Requirements Education and Certifications ● A university degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. ● Professional certification such as ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is highly preferred. Experience ● At least 5-7 years of experience in accounting, with significant exposure to cost accounting in a manufacturing or services environment. ● Proven track record in financial reporting, cost analysis, and financial forecasting. ● Experience in utilizing accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Skills Analytical and Strategic Thinking ● Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to extract key insights from financial data to influence business decisions. ● Strong problem-solving capabilities, particularly in areas of cost reduction and financial process improvement. Attention to Detail and Accuracy ● High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of financial record-keeping and reporting. Financial Planning and Control ● Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and managing financial performance. ● Ability to collaborate with other departments to align operational goals with financial performance metrics. Communication Skills ● Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting financial data to management and other stakeholders. ● Ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise manner. Time Management and Multitasking ● Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. ● Strong organizational skills and the capacity to handle large volumes of financial data without sacrificing quality or accuracy. Knowledge of Accounting Standards ● In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). ● Familiarity with tax laws, VAT, and other compliance regulations. Team Leadership and Collaboration ● Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, offering leadership when required and contributing to the achievement of team objectives.