POSITION:                     Accountant

REPORTS TO:                Financial Controller

JOB SUMMARY:            Working closely with the Managing Director and reporting to the Financial Controller, the postholder supports strategic decision-making and oversees the Company’s financial operations. This role carries full responsibility for managing accounting practices, maintaining accurate general ledger records, and ensuring the timely production of all financial reports. The postholder directs the daily activities of the Accounting Department and ensures that all financial controls, procedures, and compliance requirements are properly implemented and followed.  The position also plays a key role in the annual audit process and contributes significantly to the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget. Effective cash flow management is a critical part of the role, ensuring the Company maintains strong financial stability. The postholder also reviews operational results with respect to costs, budgets, policies, and emerging trends, providing insight to support informed executive decisions.

Other Responsibilities will include:

• Supervise the Company Accounting Department, including performance management, development and assistance as necessary
• Prepare and analyze the Company monthly management accounts
• Supervise the maintenance of the company’s chart of accounts and assign new classifications and cost centres as necessary
• Maintain and develop financial reports as necessary or as requested by management
• Prepare year end accounts for the Company
• Prepare audit schedules for the Company; ensure audit completed in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner
• Attend the Company yearend inventory count; perform test counts; resolve issues discovered; assist auditor as required
• Prepare quarterly employment tax schedules for the Company and submit to group CFO for consolidation and payment
• Ensure all receivables (trade and otherwise) are being monitored and adequate steps are being taken for their recovery.
• Ensure that all accounts due are paid on a timely basis
• Ensure the Company bank account balances are being maintained at an appropriate level
• Ensure the Company bank reconciliations are prepared monthly
• Ensure that adequate insurance cover is in place for the Company
• Work closely with management and deputize in their absence
• Plan and drive the annual budgeting process; ensure all department managers have relevant information of a timely basis; work closely with management to finalise the budget for the Company, prepare and distribute final budgets
• Work closely management to ensure that any cash surplus to requirements is treated appropriately
• Ensure all expenses incurred are authorized, appropriate for the business, accurately accounted for and adequately budgeted; monitor any internally generated costs or write offs
• Direct efforts to enhance the company’s profitability through cost control and provide ratios and cost comparisons in view of best business practices
• Ensure all capital expenditure budgeted or approved and correctly classified
• Work closely with MIS manager to ensure the accounting systems are adequately maintained and upgraded as appropriate
• Assist in contract and lease negotiations and prepare financial analysis for special projects and new ventures
• Work closely with management to set the business and financial course of the company
• Undertake any other tasks, appropriate to the level of the post and to the job responsibilities as required by management

Position Requirements:

• A CA, CPA, or equivalent accounting qualification;
• Minimum of five (5) years experience in a senior financial position in an organisation of similar size.  Working in a wholesale or retail environment would be an asset.
• Experience with inventory management and familiarity with payroll related legislation would be a definite advantage;
• Prior experience with Microsoft Office products; Must have five (5) years working knowledge of computerised accounting applications; SUN accounting system experience would be an asset; 
• Prior experience in training and supervising of staff members is required;  Strong supervisory skills are required for this position;
• Strong analytical skills and strong work ethic;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong ability to handle multiple tasks while prioritising and responding to a variety of demands in a deadline driven environment;
• Must be stress tolerant and able to work under deadline situations;

The incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to complete the role.