Accountant

Position Overview

The Accountant will oversee the day-to-day operations of the accounts department, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping, compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, effective financial management and the timely preparation of financial statements and reports.

The successful candidate will also coordinate financial reporting for donor-funded projects, support budget management, facilitate audits and ensure that the organisation maintains sound financial controls and accountability practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Management
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date books of accounts in accordance with applicable accounting standards and organisational policies.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Prepare donor-specific financial reports in compliance with grant agreements and funder requirements.
• Support the preparation, monitoring and variance analysis of organisational and project budgets.
• Maintain the organisation’s fixed asset register and ensure appropriate insurance coverage.
• Coordinate annual institutional audits and project-specific audits.
• Statutory and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure timely filing and payment of statutory obligations, including taxes, PAYE, NSSF and other applicable statutory deductions.
• Maintain, in coordination with the Human Resources and Administration Department, a compliance calendar covering business licences, permits, statutory registrations and renewals.
• Maintain accurate compliance records, monitor upcoming obligations and escalate potential compliance risks to the Finance Manager.
• Financial Records and Contract Management
• Act as custodian of accounts department documentation, including accounting records and supplier and customer contracts.
• Ensure proper classification, secure storage and easy retrieval of financial records in compliance with data protection and audit requirements.
• Financial Coordination and Administration
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate efficient financial and administrative operations.
• Monitor bank and cash balances, oversee cash flow and ensure adequate liquidity.
• Process financial transactions accurately and promptly while maintaining appropriate financial controls.
• Manage accounts payable processes and documentation.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of staff payments and supplier invoices in line with contractual obligations, agreed credit terms and organisational procedures.
• Review and analyse general ledger accounts, identify discrepancies and irregularities, and initiate appropriate corrective action.
• Key Performance Indicators
• Performance in this role will be assessed against the following:
• Financial Reporting
• Monthly financial reports, including income statements, accounts payable and receivable reports, and bank reconciliations, submitted by the 5th day of the following month.
• Timely preparation and submission of donor-specific financial reports in accordance with grant agreements.
• Monthly budget variance reports.
• Institutional annual audit completed on or before 28 February of the following year.
• Project audits completed in accordance with funder requirements.
• Stakeholder Relations and Responsiveness
• Demonstrate professionalism, clarity, responsiveness and timeliness when addressing queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure emails and financial queries are acknowledged and responded to within 48–72 hours.
• Qualifications and Experience
• The ideal candidate should possess:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• CPA or ACCA qualification.
• At least 3–5 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Experience working with accounting software and strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience in media, production, NGO, donor-funded or multi-project organisations will be an added advantage.
• Required Skills and Competencies
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and statutory compliance.
• Strong organisational and records management skills.
• High levels of integrity, accountability and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.