Senior Accounting Manager
Charter - Mission & Purpose
The charter of the Accounting Manager is to be the guardian of the company's financial integrity. This role exists to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of all financial records and reporting. The Accounting Manager leads the accounting function to provide reliable data that supports strategic decision-making, safeguards company assets, and fosters trust among stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and management.
Mandate - Authority & Responsibilities
To fulfill the above charter, the Accounting Manager is mandated with the authority to:
- Oversee Financial Processes: Direct and control all aspects of the financial accounting cycle, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, bank reconciliations and financial reporting.
- Enforce Internal Controls: Establish, implement, and monitor a system of internal controls to protect company assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the accuracy of financial data.
- Ensure Compliance: Ensure all financial practices and reports comply with PFRS standards, statutory requirements, and company policies.
- Lead the Accounting Team: Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
- Approve Financial Transactions: Authorize and approve significant financial transactions, journal entries, and account reconciliations within defined limits.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Accounting Manager are categorized as follows:
- Financial Reporting & Control - Month-End and Year-End Close: Lead the timely and accurate execution of the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes.
- Financial Statement Preparation: Prepare and distribute internal financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement) and manage the preparation of supporting schedules for external audits.
- General Ledger Management: Oversee the integrity of the general ledger, ensuring all accounts are properly reconciled and supported by appropriate documentation.
- Internal Controls: Maintain and regularly review the company's internal control framework, identifying and mitigating financial risks.
- Accounts Payable & Procurement: Oversee the end-to-end procure-to-pay cycle, ensuring accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices while optimizing cash flow.
- Accounts Receivable & Credit: Supervise the order-to-cash cycle, including customer invoicing, collections, and credit management to minimize bad debt.
- Payroll Oversight: Supervise the payroll process to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, and all statutory deductions and filings are completed.
- Cash & Bank Management: Coordinate and reconcile daily cash flow, monitor bank transactions, and oversee weekly and monthly cash forecasting.
- Team Leadership: Manage the accounting team, including workload allocation, performance reviews, career development, and training.
- Process Improvement: Continuously identify and implement improvements to accounting systems, processes, and procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Management Partnering: Act as a key business partner to other department heads, providing financial insights and analysis to support their operational decisions.
- System Stewardship: Oversee the financial modules of the company's ERP or accounting software, ensuring it meets the needs of the business.
Conclusion
The Accounting Manager is a critical leadership role, responsible for the bedrock of the company's financial health. By ensuring the reliability of financial information, protecting assets, and leading a high-performing team, the Accounting Manager enables the organization to operate with confidence and pursue its strategic objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy or a related field; CPA license is required
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role
- Strong hands-on experience in financial accounting, general ledger management, month-end and year-end close
- Proven expertise in financial reporting, including preparation of Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statements
- Solid working knowledge of PFRS, statutory requirements, and local compliance obligations
- Demonstrated experience in establishing and enforcing internal controls and supporting external and internal audits
- Experience overseeing Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Cash/Bank reconciliations
- Proficient in accounting systems or ERP software (SAP) and advanced user of MS Excel
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop an accounting team
- High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to meet tight reporting deadlines
- Excellent communication skills and capability to partner with cross-functional teams and management