Job Description

A Senior Accountant is responsible for managing complex accounting processes, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. They typically act as a bridge between junior accountants and management, playing a critical role in financial analysis, audits, and reporting. Below are the key job responsibilities for a Senior Accountant:

1. Financial Reporting and Analysis

Prepare Financial Statements:

Prepare, review, and ensure the accuracy of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Reports:

Oversee the timely preparation and submission of financial reports for management and stakeholders.

Financial Analysis:

Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and discrepancies. Provide insights and recommendations to improve financial performance.

2. General Ledger Management

Maintain General Ledger:

Ensure that the general ledger is updated and reconciled with subsidiary ledgers and supporting documentation.

Journal Entries:

Prepare and review complex journal entries, ensuring accurate recording of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP or IFRS.

Reconciliation:

Oversee the reconciliation of key accounts, including bank reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and balance sheet accounts.

3. Compliance and Regulatory Reporting

Ensure Compliance:

Ensure that all financial reporting complies with relevant accounting standards (e.g. IFRS) and company policies.

Tax Compliance:

Assist in preparing and reviewing tax filings, ensuring compliance with local, national, and international tax regulations.

Audit Preparation:

Prepare necessary documentation and act as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of audit queries.

4. Team Leadership and Mentoring

Supervise Junior Accountants:

Oversee and review the work of junior accountants, providing guidance and ensuring adherence to accounting policies and procedures.

Training and Development:

Mentor and train team members, helping them develop technical accounting skills and ensuring continuous professional growth.

Review Work:

Review the accuracy of financial reports, reconciliations, and journal entries prepared by junior team members.

5. Budgeting and Forecasting

Support Budget Preparation:

Work with finance and other departments to assist in the preparation of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.

Variance Analysis:

Analyze budget vs. actual performance and provide explanations for variances. Assist management in adjusting forecasts as needed.

Cost Management:

Identify cost-saving opportunities and provide strategic recommendations for expense management.

6. Audit Support

Internal and External Audits:

Serve as the primary point of contact during audits, providing the necessary financial documentation and information to auditors.

Audit Coordination:

Work closely with the audit team to resolve any discrepancies and implement audit recommendations.

Internal Controls:

Review and improve internal controls, ensuring that they are adequate to prevent errors, fraud, or non-compliance.

7. Tax Planning and Strategy

Tax Preparation:

Assist the tax department in preparing tax returns and ensuring compliance with all tax laws and regulations.

Tax Strategy:

Support in developing and implementing tax strategies to optimize the company's tax position and minimize tax liabilities.

Review Tax Filings:

Ensure accuracy in tax filings and resolve any discrepancies or queries related to tax matters.

8. Process Improvement and Automation

Enhance Accounting Processes:

Identify areas for process improvement and implement more efficient accounting procedures.

Automation:

Collaborate with IT and other teams to implement accounting software solutions and ERP systems that streamline financial reporting and transaction processing.

Develop Best Practices:

Establish and document accounting best practices to ensure consistency across the team.

9. Client Management (If applicable)

Client Relationships:

Serve as a point of contact for key clients, addressing their accounting and financial reporting needs.

Client Projects:

Manage client-specific accounting projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

Client Financial Statements:

Prepare and review financial statements for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

10. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Department Coordination:

Collaborate with finance, tax, legal, and other departments to ensure alignment on financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance efforts.

Financial Strategy:

Provide accounting insights to support strategic decisions made by senior management and other business units.

Stakeholder Communication:

Communicate key financial information to stakeholders, including management, external auditors, and regulatory authorities.

11. Mergers and Acquisitions (If applicable)

Due Diligence Support:

Assist with financial due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures, reviewing financial statements and identifying risks.

Post-Merger Integration:

Oversee the integration of accounting systems and procedures following mergers or acquisitions.

12. Compliance with Ethical and Professional Standards

Adherence to Ethical Guidelines:

Ensure compliance with professional ethical standards, as required by accounting bodies such as AICPA, ICAEW, or others.

Continuous Professional Development:

Keep up to date with changes in accounting standards, tax laws, and industry best practices by participating in relevant training and professional development programs.
Job Type: Full-time