Accountant

The Accountant assists with the coordination of the timely and efficient preparation of the monthly management accounts, reporting templates, annual financial statements, annual budget and statutory returns

Job Summary

The Accountant assists with the coordination of the timely and efficient preparation of the monthly management accounts, reporting templates, annual financial statements, annual budget and statutory returns. Additionally, he/ she is responsible for preparing, reviewing and analyzing financial reports for the company.

The Accountant must have in-depth knowledge of bookkeeping, auditing, budgeting procedures and also have the ability to monitor daily transactions, recommend and  implement ways to improve the processes and procedures. Each incumbent coordinates activities related to a specified area of assignment and performs tasks requiring specialized knowledge in the assigned area but is expected to have general knowledge of all areas.

Job Responsibilities

• Financial Accounting:
  • Preparation of monthly management accounts.
  • Prepare and review the templates for submission to the holding company.
  • Preparation of annual IFRS financial statements.
  • Updating IFRS financial statements with applicable new IFRS requirements/amendments.
  • Support preparation of quarterly board reports.
  • Support preparation of analysis and responses for requests made by the holding company and the senior management team.
  • Preparing budget and forecasts (management & template format): Liaising with subsidiaries and departments for budget/forecast income and expenses information;
  • Liaising with the group that require budget assumptions not included in approved budget assumptions document; Documenting all assumptions used; Investigating any variances and providing management with clear explanations on any queries raised; uploading budgets into Oracle.
  • Research IFRS requirements for accounting issues.
  • Prepare Oracle account reconciliations for identified accounts.
  • Preparation of periodic financial statement and expense variance reports that completely explain all material variances or unusual transactions for the comparable time periods(budget / prior periods).
  • Processing/approval of payments for the areas assigned.
  • Analytical reviews on the group’s results to determine the reasonableness of the financial statements.
  • Prepare all investment activities and accounting transactions booked in Company’s books. The incumbent should monitor all transactions, including placement of investments in the respective statutory funds and deposits to maintain balances required for regulatory purposes.
  • Prepare the cash position of the territories within the company and make recommendations to manage statutory deficits to the manager and investment advisor for investments.
• Regulatory and Compliance:
  • Prepare quarterly and annual regulatory returns, including solvency, balance of payments or any other requests from regulators for the assigned territories and companies.
  • Liaise with the Regulators and handles queries for the assigned territories and companies.
  • Prepare and/or Compliance reports on a monthly basis.
  • Review fraud reports and makes recommendations for appropriate action.
• Responsible for the internal and external audit process to meet stipulated due dates.
  • Oversee the interim and year end audits.
  • Preparation of audit lead schedules.
  • Addressing requests and queries from auditors.
  • Follow up and clearance of any items on management letter / review points.
  • Follow up with auditors for signed financial statements.
  • Responsible for the accurate computation of company annual and quarterly taxes, remittance of any taxes due and filing of return by deadline date.
  • Prepare estimates for corporation tax, withholding tax, green fund levy and VAT monthly, quarterly and annual payments.
  • Submit tax schedules to tax advisors (if applicable) and addressing queries raised.
  • Review and sign off tax computation and return provided by tax advisors.
  • Liaising with Manager on tax treatment of unusual transactions.
• Cash Management
  • Review/ prepare assigned bank reconciliations within the stipulated deadlines.
  • Ensure reconciling items are cleared within recommended deadlines.
  • Develop and maintain current, relevant procedures and controls to ensure accurate and
  • timely recording of cash transactions; and to eliminate or limit the risks identified.
  • Prepares cash flow forecasts for individual territories and the company.
• New Accounting Standards
  • To provide support to management in the implementation of new accounting
  • To guide the accounting team by coordinating activities and providing guidance on questions on accounting policies, procedures and regulations.
  • Training and developing other team members to effect knowledge transfer and cross functionality in the department.
  • To perform any other job-related duties as assigned by the Manager or Vice President Finance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic accounting
• Good understanding of accounting and financial reporting principles and practices
• familiarity with relevant computer software
• Prior experience working with accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• In-depth understanding of IFRS
• Excellent Planning/Organizing/Flexibility –
• Paying attention to details
• Problem Solving & Analytical Skills –The ability to anticipate obstacles and recommend best solutions/options
• Intermediate level of Microsoft office suite.
• Excellent communications skills (written and oral); be proactive, engaging and creative.
•  Integrity/Honesty
• Critical Thinking
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining financial records and following company guidelines and procedures
• Awareness of business trends

Job Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting and pursuing ACCA level 3 OR
• Level 2 ACCA, pursuing Level 3 or equivalent qualification from a recognized tertiary educational institution.
• At least five (5) years in Accountant in Property and Casualty
• At least five (5) years in Accounting and Financial procedures
• Understanding and practical experience with IFRS
• Would be considered an asset
  • ACCA Qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) is a plus but not required
  • Relevant certification (e.g. CMA or CPA) will be an asset
  • At least five (5) years’ experience with Reporting Financials Requirements