Accountant

Accountant

Salary:                          TT$16,000.00

Location:                       Arima

Industry:                        Food

Terms:                           Permanent

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director, the Accountant is generally accountable for directing the financial activities of the Company to ensure the creation of an environment that promotes and facilitates employee productivity and the proper utilization and accounting of the Company’s financial resources.

JOB SUMMARY

The Accountant plans, co-ordinates and directs the activities of the Accounts Department ensuring timely acquisition, allocation and utilization of financial resources so as to steer the Company to profitability and positive growth. The incumbent is also responsible for preparing financial statements and reports, on a timely basis for presentation, to the Director, Management, government agencies and financial institutions.

DIMENSIONS

The Accountant is classed as a management position discharging responsibility for the Company’s financial activities. Human relations skills are critical in the discharge of the position’s managerial responsibilities.  The position interfaces internally and externally at senior levels but its decision-making actions are constrained by established policies and procedures. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepares monthly Management Accounts with detailed variance analysis and explanations as well as the annual audit schedules and Statutory Financial Statements.
2. Manages and supervises the Accounts Department to ensure the timely processing of information and resolves any routine problems which may arise.
3. Reviews and develops systems to ensure the completeness and integrity of information from the various departments and to ensure the adherence to present accounting practices, policies and systems.
4. Prepares the annual Audit Schedules and liaises with the Auditors, in all aspects, including the Annual Stocktaking exercise.
5. Complies with the various statutory bodies and ensures that all statutory payments are made on a timely basis including Vat, Business Levy, Green Fund, PAYE, Health Surcharge and National Insurance.
6. Prepares CSO returns and Corporation Tax Returns.
7. Responds to and resolves all issues arising with the Financial Institutions, Board Of Inland Revenue and other external parties relevant to the Accounts Department.
8.  Ensures that Suppliers are paid in a timely manner so as to ensure the continuous supply of goods and services.
9. Ensures that supplier statements are received and reconciled in a timely manner.
10. Reviews all cheque payment vouchers to ensure accuracy of information.
11. Follows up on outstanding payments for Royalty Income and other Accounts Receivables from Local and Foreign Franchises.
12. Liaises with the Customs Broker to ensure timely preparation of Duty, VAT and other relevant payment cheques for the expedition of clearance of foreign shipments.

People Management

13. Ensures team members comply with all Health, Safety and Quality rules and regulations.

1. Reports all infractions, accidents, and near misses, in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures.
2. Leads, directs and supervises all employees, under the departmental purview, in the execution of their responsibilities.
3. Sets performance standards and completes performance reviews on team members, as required.
4. Works, in partnership, with the Human Resources Department to select, orient, train, coach, counsel and discipline all employees within the Department.

Other

18. Performs any other related tasks as directed by the Director or his/her designate.

RELATIONSHIPS

Internally

• Director
• Operations Coordinator
• Sales and Inventory Manager
• Heads of Departments
• District Managers
• Managers and Supervisors
• All members of staff

Externally

• Financial Institutions
• Suppliers
• Contractors
• Government Agencies
• Other agencies as directed

EDUCATION

• Minimum professional accounting qualifications of: ACCA/CGA/CMA
• An MBA with concentrations in Accounts would be an asset

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven (7) years’ relevant experience in Accounting/Financial Planning for a medium to large organization with at least four (4) years at the senior management level
• Experience in a restaurant environment would be considered an asset

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of:

• Laws, regulations, operating standards and practices governing companies based on acceptable accounting standards
• Accounting software packages
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures
• Lead cross functional teams
• Work in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Customer Relations – Must be committed to providing quality customer service and building strong customer relationships.
• Self-Management – Should possess the ability to manage and continually improve own performance with a high degree of self-motivation.
• Communication – Should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to:

• Analysis – Should possess excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Health & Safety – Must be committed to promoting a safe work environment.

• Interpersonal Skills – Should possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work in a team.
• Coaching/Guidance – Should be able to manage continuity, change and transition as well as influence and enable others; addressing the impact of attitude and actions on the organization.
• Change Management – Should possess the skills and demonstrate the attributes of a leader; share the organization’s values, mission and vision and consistently display integrity and exemplary behavioral traits.