Accountant

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the overall financial activities of the organization, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Prepare, monitor, and control organizational and project budgets and forecasts track financial metrics and analyze variances from budgets.
• Maintain complete and accurate books of account in the accounting software (Peachtree), ensuring correct postings and regular bank and ledger reconciliations.
• Review and verify invoices, payment requests, and expense reports, ensuring accuracy, proper supporting documentation, and timely payment.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, including follow-up clients.
• Review all project field expenses, including reconciliation of field budgets with actual expenses, and prepare a project expense report for each batch of field expenses.
• Prepare payment requests and invoices for clients in line with contract terms, and follow up the payment process until payment is received, tracking outstanding amounts and reporting on them.
• Prepare payments for the field team, including per diems, allowances, advances, and supplier payments, ensuring proper approvals and supporting documents.
• Manage the overall field financial process, including field cash advances, liquidation and settlement, field budget control, and guidance to field staff on financial procedures and documentation.
• Prepare cash flow plans and manage bank accounts and petty cash to ensure adequate liquidity for operations and projects.
• Process monthly payroll, including statutory deductions such as income tax and pension.
• Ensure compliance with taxation and other regulatory requirements (VAT, withholding tax, income tax, etc.) and prepare and submit timely filings.
• Provide financial reporting and related support to clients as needed, based on their specific requirements and agreed deadlines.
• Prepare and declare month, quarter taxes to the organization responsible
• Coordinate internal and external audits by preparing the necessary schedules, documentation, and information, and follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, and ensure compliance with company policies and relevant regulations.
• Maintain the fixed asset register and manage depreciation and asset verification.
• Provide financial information, analysis, and advice to management to support decision-making.
• Serve as a point of contact for finance-related inquiries from other departments, and liaise with clients, banks, auditors, and tax authorities as needed.
• Guide and support administrative staff in day-to-day finance tasks.
• Organize and maintain financial files, both physical and electronic, with efficient filing systems, ensuring confidentiality and easy access.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in accounting and finance or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of direct hands on work experience in accounting and finance, preferably in a research, development setting
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles and standards (IFRS) and Ethiopian tax regulations
• Experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and supporting audits
• Strong Communication and English skill is mandatory.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Proficient in financial software such as Peachtree
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical, problem solving and networking skills.
• Be a team player and communicator