Accountant

Roles and responsibilities

• Assist in the month end reporting process to deliver timely and accurate information
• Have full responsibility for a part of the ledger processes relevant to your strengths
• Assist with the year end audit process and statutory reporting
• Support the finance team's wider plans to prepare for an IPO
• Improve the efficiency of financial processes and procedures and monitor compliance
• Share knowledge between team members to ensure cover is available when needed
• Actively develop your own skills to ensure current knowledge of applicable standards and regulations
• Establish strong relationships with key colleagues outside the wider finance team
  

What we are looking for in you

• Exceptional academic track record and subsequent career performance
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent
• Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, ACMA, CPA, etc.)
• Experience at a large public accounting firm, or public multinational corporate accounting department preferred
• NetSuite or similar enterprise grade systems experience
• Willingness to travel up to four times per year

• 1. Technical Skills

• Accounting Standards: Knowledge of accounting principles such as GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).
• Financial Software: Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, Xero, Microsoft Excel) for tracking financial transactions and preparing reports.
• Tax Knowledge: Familiarity with tax laws and regulations, as well as experience in preparing and filing various types of tax returns.
• Financial Analysis: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, perform variance analysis, and provide financial insights.
• Spreadsheet Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet tools for analyzing financial data, creating reports, and building financial models.

• 2. Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in financial record-keeping and reporting, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Analytical Thinking: The ability to analyze large volumes of data, spot trends, and make strategic recommendations based on financial performance.

• 3. Communication Skills

• Report Writing: Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate financial reports and presentations for management, stakeholders, and external auditors.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact with team members, clients, auditors, and stakeholders in a professional and effective manner.
• Advice and Consulting: Strong communication skills to provide financial advice, answer questions, and explain complex financial information to non-financial staff.

• 4. Time Management and Organizational Skills

• Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple financial tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changes in priorities.
• Process Organization: Effective at organizing financial processes and documentation to ensure that records are easy to access and comply with legal requirements.

Desired candidate profile

1. Financial Record Keeping

• Transaction Recording: Accurately record financial transactions, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments, in the company's financial system or ledger.
• General Ledger Maintenance: Maintain and update the general ledger, ensuring that all accounts are balanced and discrepancies are addressed promptly.
• Accounts Reconciliation: Regularly reconcile accounts to ensure that financial data is accurate and up to date. This includes reconciling bank statements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other financial accounts.

2. Financial Reporting

• Financial Statements Preparation: Prepare key financial reports such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Reports: Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports to provide insights into the organization’s financial health.
• Variance Analysis: Perform variance analysis by comparing actual financial results to budgeted or forecasted figures, explaining significant differences and offering recommendations for corrective action.
• Management Reporting: Provide financial reports and analysis to senior management, helping them make informed decisions regarding business strategies and financial planning.

3. Tax Compliance and Reporting

• Tax Preparation: Prepare tax returns (e.g., income tax, sales tax, payroll tax) in compliance with local, state, and federal tax regulations.
• Tax Planning and Strategy: Assist in tax planning to minimize liabilities and ensure the organization benefits from available tax credits, deductions, and incentives.
• Audit Support: Work with external auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with tax laws, providing necessary documentation during audits.

4. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Budget Creation: Help prepare annual budgets for the organization by analyzing historical data, estimating future costs, and ensuring alignment with financial goals.
• Forecasting: Assist in financial forecasting to predict future revenues, expenses, and cash flows, allowing management to plan for potential challenges.
• Cost Control: Monitor and track budget performance, suggesting adjustments to stay within budgetary limits and improve cost efficiency.

5. Internal Controls and Compliance

• Internal Audits: Perform internal audits to ensure adherence to financial policies and regulations. Ensure that proper controls are in place to safeguard the company’s assets.
• Compliance: Ensure that the organization adheres to all financial regulations and industry standards, such as tax laws, labor laws, and financial reporting regulations (e.g., SOX compliance for publicly traded companies).

6. Financial Analysis

• Data Analysis: Analyze financial data to identify trends, patterns, and potential risks. Provide insights into business performance, such as profitability, liquidity, and solvency.
• Cost and Profitability Analysis: Assess the costs of operations, profitability of various business segments, and recommend strategies for improving efficiency and margins.