Job Purpose
The Accountant is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the General Ledger, overseeing payroll administration, ensuring statutory compliance, and preparing management accounts and financial statements. The role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards and internal policies, while providing technical oversight to the Accounting Supervisor and Junior Treasurer.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & General Ledger Ownership

• Maintain and control the integrity of the General Ledger in accordance with applicable accounting standards and Company policies.

• Prepare and post complex journal entries, accruals, provisions, and adjustments.

• Lead the month-end close process and finalise management accounts for review by the Finance Manager.

• Prepare draft financial statements and supporting schedules, with applicable accounting standards.

• Ensure accurate accounting of intercompany transactions and eliminations.

• Ensure integrity of all balance sheet accounts through periodic review and reconciliation oversight.

• Review and approve control account reconciliations, including bank reconciliations, prior to financial reporting.

Payroll Ownership & Compliance

• Own and oversee the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of monthly and weekly payrolls.

• Review and approve payroll calculations, statutory deductions (PAYE, NIS, Health Surcharge), and voluntary deductions.

• Ensure timely remittance of statutory payments and pension contributions.

• Reconcile payroll-related General Ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies.

• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with payroll regulations.

Statutory Compliance & Audit Coordination

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and other statutory filings in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable tax and regulatory filing deadlines.

• Serve as the primary accounting liaison for financial audits and regulatory reviews.

• Ensure readiness of financial records and supporting documentation for audit purposes.

• Escalate material financial risks or irregularities to the Finance Manager.

Technical Oversight & Governance

• Provide technical accounting guidance to the Accounting Supervisor and Junior Treasurer.

• Approve accounting treatment for non-routine or complex transactions.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and segregation of duties across accounting and treasury operations.

• Monitor financial impacts of operational activities and ensure appropriate recording within the General Ledger.

Cross-Functional Relationships

• Liaise with HR regarding payroll inputs, employee changes, and statutory compliance matters.

• Work with Sales, Procurement, Warehouse, and Operations to ensure accurate financial recording of transactional activities.

• Coordinate with the Cost Accountant to ensure alignment between financial reporting and cost reporting outputs.

• Support the Finance Manager with financial analysis and reporting requirements.

Team Management & Leadership

• Manage the performance and output of direct reports, ensuring adherence to accounting standards, reporting deadlines, and internal controls.

• Set reconciliation, reporting, and compliance standards across the accounting function.

• Ensure adherence to reporting deadlines and internal control requirements.

• Promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the Finance team.

• Support capability development and succession planning.

Qualifications & Experience required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline required.

• ACCA (Strategic Professional stage) completed or near completion, or equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.

• Minimum of 5–7 years’ progressive accounting experience within a structured finance environment.

• Demonstrated experience in leading month-end close and preparing management accounts.

• Experience within a manufacturing or distribution environment preferred.

• Proven ERP system experience required.

Skills & knowledge required

• Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards and General Ledger management.

• Advanced understanding of month-end close processes, financial statement preparation, and balance sheet integrity.

• In-depth knowledge of payroll administration, statutory deductions, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Sound understanding of internal controls, segregation of duties, and financial risk management principles.

• Ability to determine appropriate accounting treatment for complex or non-routine transactions.