Accountant

The Accountant is responsible for managing the financial health and performance of assigned companies by preparing accurate management accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and improving internal control procedures. This role requires strong analytical and organizational skills, the ability to manage a team effectively, and a proactive approach to financial management.

The Accountant collaborates with various departments to control costs, monitor cash flow, and provide financial insights that support decision-making. The position demands a strong grasp of financial processes, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare and submit monthly management accounts for assigned companies.
• Compile and file VAT returns in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and internal financial policies.

Internal Controls and Cost Management

• Review and improve existing internal control procedures, redrafting processes where necessary.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor company costs, including the preparation of standard costs, job/project costing, and financial feasibilities for tenders or other transactions.

Budgeting and Cash Flow Management

• Lead the budgeting process for assigned companies under the guidance of the line manager.
• Assist in maintaining control of cash flow, preparing forecasts, and ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Work-in-Progress Management

• Process monthly work-in-progress (WIP) calculations, ensuring accuracy and alignment with ongoing projects.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses as requested by management.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership

• Manage and guide the accounts team to ensure objectives are met and tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.

The list of 'Responsibilities' appearing in this job description is neither necessarily exhaustive nor is any part of this job description permanent.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: ACCA qualified or in the final stages of qualification, or a University degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience: Prior experience in a project-based company will be considered an asset.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Knowledge of cost accounting, project costing, and budgeting processes.

Required Skills & Attributes

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in accounting principles and financial management processes, including preparation of management accounts, budgeting, and cost control.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, with knowledge of pivot tables, formulas, and data visualization tools for reporting and analysis.
• Familiarity with accounting software and ERP systems (experience with specific tools such as SAGE, ACCESS Dimensions, or similar is an advantage).
• Strong knowledge of VAT regulations, compliance requirements, and other statutory reporting obligations.
• Experience in job/project costing methodologies, standard cost preparation, and financial feasibility assessments.

Analytical and Organizational Skills

• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Highly organized with the ability to create and maintain financial systems that streamline processes and ensure accuracy.
• Excellent time-management skills, demonstrating the ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and manage workload effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills, capable of identifying process inefficiencies and implementing solutions.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Proven ability to manage and mentor a team, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across departments and work collaboratively on cross-functional projects.
• Confidence to take initiative, make decisions, and lead by example in a dynamic environment.

Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Active listening skills to understand team and organizational needs effectively.
• Demonstrates diplomacy and professionalism when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.

Professional Behaviour and Adaptability

• A positive "Can Do" attitude with a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, project requirements, or company needs with a flexible and proactive approach.
• Keen attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial data and reports.
• Self-motivated and driven to continuously improve skills, processes, and outcomes.

Knowledge of Industry Practices

• Familiarity with financial challenges and practices in project-based companies, including monitoring work-in-progress, job costing, and cash flow management.
• Understanding of risk management principles in financial processes.

Company Culture Fit

• Embrace and uphold the company's values, mission, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a proactive and solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Strive for continuous improvement and innovation in practice.