Job Purpose Statement:
Performs diverse accounting duties relating to defined aspects of financial accounting & record keeping (statutory accounting, VAT, tax, payroll, pensions etc) for one or more legal entity or country. Supports defined financial compliance & control standards by providing appropriate advice to customers & by ensuring all actions are in compliance with US GAAP and all local statutory accounting and fiscal regulations.
Key Accountabilities:
1. Co-ordinates defined parts of the accounting process for a GSP/GSP’s ensuring that all charges are justified & accounted for in accordance with contractual & regulatory requirements. Includes working with other departments & the GSP to research & effectively resolve less complex issues/discrepancies. Escalates complex/high-impacting issues to Management/Senior level Accountants.
2. Complies with European & local VAT regulations & requirements & minimises the risk of potential fines by accurately computing monthly & quarterly VAT returns in accordance with locally defined procedures. Includes extracting all relevant data from the relevant ledgers & performing defined procedural checks to ensure compliance with the relevant VAT regulations.
3. Supports the development of accurate yield estimates of unbilled packages by performing defined analysis & research of specific items that impact the revenue results for the month. Provides accurate & timely feedback to the Manager / Senior Accountants.
4. Supports effective accounts payable & payroll processes by performing defined procedural reviews of key items e.g. issues with vendors, pay-cycle reviews or contract procedure compliance reviews. Co-ordinates specific actions needed with other Departments, Accountants or Accounts Payables or Payroll departments.
5. Performs defined reviews of key types of payroll data to ensure accuracy & compliance of all payments, systems entries & regulatory requirements. Researches & resolves any issues with the relevant area/department.
6. Ensures effective cash management by monitoring the on-going cash position & then ensuring sufficient funding is available to meet business needs. Includes requesting funding or forecasting surplus funds in accordance with corporate and local guidelines. Reviews the bank signatory details to ensure they
remain current & in compliance.
7. Supports a timely & legally compliant month end close of all accounts by performing miscellaneous duties relating to Balance Sheet/Profit & Loss trend reviews, accrual entries, inter-co, AP/AM close, pensions accounts and subsequent reporting.
8. Liases with peers in BRU & Memphis to research & resolve specific issues.
9. Produces accurate & timely month & year -end tax & social filings for one or more countries, as per country specific regulations & requirements.
10. Conducts defined audits of specific cash procedures within the business, including one-off systems and control reviews in order to identify and report any compliance/control issues.
11. Supports legal and regulatory compliance by working with internal, statutory and government auditors by providing accurate information & reports. Under guidance researches & resolves issues identified by the auditors.
12. Supports an effective BVR process by researching, resolving & clarifying for management any queries relating to their respective cost centres. Takes any corrective actions needed.
13. Develops an in-depth knowledge of general accepted accounting principles, accounting & financial P&P together with local statutory & regulatory requirements. Uses this knowledge to identify non-compliance with internal control processes & determine appropriate treatment of financial issues.
Education / Skills and Experience and Knowledge
- Bcom Accounting Graduate qualification essential
- Minimum 3 -5 years’ work experience
- Fluent in local language/s
- Good command of English
- Fluent in local language/s
- Good command of English
- (Studying for a professional qualification in accounting or a related discipline)
- Experience of applying financial accounting principles & practices in multiple areas of accounting in an audit or commercial environment plus experience identifying & addressing control risks
- Good knowledge of fiscal and local statutory accounting regulations & requirements (tax, VAT, statutory accounting, payroll, pensions etc), key processes & control mechanisms plus a good knowledge of U.S. GAAP
- Experience of providing interpretation on financial policies, procedures & less complex issues
- Experience of working with external bodies e.g. auditors, government depts.
- Good written & verbal communication skills
- Good presentation skills
- (Good inter-personal skills)
- Good judgement & decision making skills
- Commercially astute
- Basic understanding of the macro & micro business environment (an understanding of the business & its goals & key finance related processes)
- (Experience of working in a complex or multi-national business with a basic understanding of its business objectives, key functions, processes etc)
- Excellent numerical & good reconciliation skills
- Good analytical skills
- Experience of developing & implementing business focused solutions to defined types of accounting issues
- Good planning & organising skills
- Good p.c. skills /competent in using a word processing & spreadsheet packages
- Competent in the use of financial systems with a good understanding of the capabilities of financial systems
- Good project management skills
Additional Requirements:
Frequent travelling into Africa
Willingness to work overtimes if and when required
Valid driver’s licence