Group Accountant

To undertake all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget, and forecasts preparation, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures.

Our Client in the Shipping Industry is currently seeking an Accountant. 

Salary Range: $21,000.00 - $30,000.00

• Location: Port of Spain
• Hours of work: 8am-4pm

Job Summary
To undertake all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget, and forecasts preparation, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer the Parent Company’s Annual Financial Audit, inclusive of the preparation of audit schedules and compilation of other supporting documents for review by the External Auditors.
• Assist Subsidiary companies with external audit preparation and close-off.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly financial statements (FS)/reports (Parent and Consolidated) for submission to Executive Management, inclusive of an Executive Summary highlighting budgeted to actual results.
• Liaise with Executive Management and other departments for the preparation and completion of the Company’s Annual Budget
• Assist Subsidiary companies with the preparation and completion of their Annual Budgets.
• Monthly review of the accounting records and transactions for all companies in the Group, reporting on any discrepancies noted and authorizing the corrections to be made.
• Prepare and file VAT returns for the Parent Company on a timely basis.
• Calculate quarterly statutory tax payments - GFL / BFL / CT and instruct payments to be made on a timely basis.
• Calculate and review the monthly tax provision reported in the books of the Parent Company.
• Prepare all return filings for the Parent Company.
• Ensure the accounting records of the owner’s personal company is well maintained on QuickBooks and produce annual financial statements to the Bank.
• File the Corporation Tax Return, including TD4s and the PAYE Annual Return.
• File the Corporation Tax Return for the parent company
• Recommend financial actions by analyzing accounting options.
• Implement & maintain internal financial controls & procedures.
• Monitor, review & approve journal entries.
• Ensure that Prepayments and Accruals are accounted for accurately in the books of the Group.
• Regular review of the AP and AR accounts to ensure that the Subledger Reports are mirrored to the General Ledger balances.
• Ensure that a rigid month-end close to accounting entries is followed by the Group, prior to preparation of the consolidated FS.
• Review and approve bank reconciliations.
• Maintain the company’s Fixed Asset Register and calculate monthly depreciation on all assets held.
• Review bad debts with the Collections Manager and recommend provision on an annual basis.
• Ensure the intercompany balances amongst the Group are reconciled monthly, and any variances observed are noted and followed up on.
• Ensure shipment liquidations for the Group are closed off on a timely basis by following up regularly with the various departments.
• Provide professional accounting support to the Subsidiaries within the Group.
• Prepare Board Notes and make Dividend recommendations.
• Any other duties as required by the Managing Director.
• Achieve a satisfactory audit report from internal/external auditors ensuring no material errors & the integrity of the financial data.
• Ensure that the Annual Financial Audit is completed & signed off on a timely basis by end of September & all notes from previous audits are addressed prior to the next annual audit.
• Ensure the integrity of the Company's financial records and that all statutory & legal requirements are met with no penalties/fines ($0) to the Company.
• Assist in ensuring a satisfactory variance to budget.
• Oversee to ensure the accurate & proper management of petty cash operations at all locations.
• Oversee & approve time & attendance requests for all Accounts staff.
• Guide accounts staff by co-ordinating activities & workflows within the department.
• Monitor performance & conduct a formal performance appraisal for all Accounts staff as required, recommending areas seen for training and promotion.
• Responsible for discussing & resolving disciplinary matters that may arise within the Accounts Department.
• Perform such other duties & responsibilities as may be required to maximize the efficiency, productivity, teamwork, customer relations & enhance the entire operations of the company.
• To provide excellent service to management, auditors, and other internal departments, maintaining customer confidence & protecting operations by keeping financial information confidential.

Job Requirements

• ACCA qualified
• MBA would be considered an asset.
• Must have a minimum of 7 years progressive accounting /finance experience, 4 of which must be at a Managerial level.
• Experience in the shipping industry an asset
• Proven problem-solving and strong analytical skills.
• Solid technical background, including consolidated reporting and statutory reporting experience.
• Must have excellent administrative skills.
• Ability to interpret information & make timely assessments & decisions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles & financial analysis.
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities

• Highly computer literate
• High level of integrity & confidentiality Knowledge of financial & industry developments.
• In depth knowledge & experience of MS Suite (Excel)
• Team Player – Able to build effective teams and motivate others.
• Organized, detailed-oriented and attentive to accuracy in reporting.
• Goal oriented and self-motivated.
• Ability to take responsibility and be accountable.
• Able to multitask, work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.