Job Description
Job Description
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, and implement 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 3-5 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.