Accountant Full Time NEW

Job Description
The Accountant oversees the daily operations and performance of the Agency’s Accounting Unit, providing technical guidance to staff and strategic support to the Finance Manager. Leveraging expertise in financial controls and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the incumbent ensures all accounting processes align with corporate governance, regulatory frameworks, and company policies, while driving accurate financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and seamless audit workflows.

Key and Critical Responsibilities
Maintains and reviews the Company’s General Ledger (GL), ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all entries, reconciliation schedules, and adjustments in accordance with established financial protocols.
Prepares management reports, including financial cost analysis, cost-effectiveness evaluations, and efficiency assessments, while drafting financial statements and other financial reports as directed by the Manager, Finance.
Oversees the Accounts Payables process, ensuring adherence to financial controls as outlined by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), government regulations, and internal company policies.
Supervises and monitors accounts receivables collections, providing guidance to staff and ensuring prompt resolution of discrepancies to optimise cash flow.
Reviews payroll calculations and statutory payments for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Prepares and submits the Agency’s Financial, Compliance, and Ministry Reports on a monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc basis, ensuring alignment with reporting standards and organisational requirements.
Compiles and submits internal audit reports, providing detailed insights to support risk management and operational improvements.
Liaises with external auditors, ensuring the timely preparation and submission of audit schedules and addressing audit queries to facilitate a seamless audit process.
Supports the preparation of the Agency’s financial plans and budgets, contributing insights to support sound financial decision-making and strategic planning.
Prepares and reviews monthly bank reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of cash flow records and identifies and resolves discrepancies in a timely manner.
Oversees the maintenance and updates of the Company’s Fixed Asset Register, ensuring accuracy in tracking asset acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation schedules.
Implements and monitors internal controls to safeguard the Agency’s financial resources and ensures compliance with financial regulations and company policies.
Develops and maintains financial records, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of financial data.
Provides guidance and mentorship to accounting staff, fostering professional development and ensuring the effective execution of departmental responsibilities.
Participates in financial policy development, offering recommendations to improve accounting practices and compliance with evolving standards.
Collaborates with internal departments to provide financial insights and ensure alignment with the Agency’s strategic goals and operational objectives.
Executes any other related duties as assigned.

Key Competencies
Required Competencies:

Accounting Standards & Principles: Deep understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and standard financial reporting regulations.
Financial Operations: Proficient in general ledger reconciliation, accounts payable and receivable management, fixed asset management, and comprehensive financial recordkeeping.
Budgeting & Analysis: Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and strategic financial data analysis.
Audit & Internal Controls: Comprehensive knowledge of audit procedures, audit preparation, internal control systems, and basic tax compliance.
Industry Compliance: Familiarity with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) industry standards and practices.
Leadership: The capacity to inspire, guide, and influence individuals and teams toward achieving organisational goals, while fostering accountability and collaboration.
Business Acumen: A deep understanding of industry trends, financial principles, and operational strategies to enable informed decision-making.
Planning & Organising: Strong skill in setting priorities, managing time and resources efficiently, and structuring complex accounting tasks to meet strict deadlines.
Communication (Oral & Written): Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey financial data clearly to internal teams, external auditors, vendors, and management.
Relationship Management & Customer Service: Service-oriented and proactive in building positive relationships with stakeholders, anticipating customer needs, and resolving financial queries promptly.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively across departments to gather financial information, support budgeting processes, and align with overall organisational goals.
Systems & Technology: Proficient in advanced accounting software, ERP systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite to streamline daily accounting tasks.
Integrity & Discretion: High level of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive financial data, ensuring strict confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Highly detail-oriented, with a focus on accurately recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining precise financial records.
Results-Driven: Committed to achieving financial objectives by delivering accurate, timely financial reports and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to evolving accounting practices, reporting requirements, and changing organisational priorities.

Prerequisites:

ACCA Level III or equivalent
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables, advanced formulas, and data analysis tools.
Certification or training in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, or Peachtree) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems would be an asset.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in an accounting environment, with at least three (3) years at a supervisory level overseeing accounting operations.
Proven experience using accounting software to manage financial transactions, process journal entries, reconcile accounts, and generate detailed financial reports.
Demonstrate ability to prepare and analyse financial statements, manage budgets and implement cost-saving initiatives.
Experience in managing accounts payable and receivables processes, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and organisational policies
Familiarity with preparing audit schedules and liaising with external and internal auditors to facilitate seamless audit processes