Senior Accountant

Job Description

1. Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts and financial reports.

• Analyse financial performance, investigate variances and provide meaningful explanations and insights to management.

  Advertisement

• Support annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.

• Coordinate external audits and ensure audit queries are resolved promptly.

• Maintain accurate general ledger records and ensure timely month-end and year-end closing.

1. General Accounting and Internal Controls

• Oversee day-to-day accounting activities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and fixed assets.

• Prepare and review monthly bank reconciliations and balance sheet account reconciliations, ensuring reconciling items are investigated and resolved promptly.

• Review journal entries, payment requests, payment vouchers and bank transfers for accuracy, completeness and appropriate supporting documentation.

• Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure depreciation and other accounting adjustments are processed accurately and on time.

• Ensure accounting records are complete, properly documented and supported by appropriate audit trails.

• Maintain and improve internal controls and ensure compliance with established financial procedures.

1. Payroll Administration

• Coordinate monthly payroll processing with Human Resources, ensuring all payroll changes are properly authorised and supported.

• Review payroll calculations and perform month-on-month variance analysis, including starters, leavers and changes in employee circumstances.

• Ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.

• Ensure appropriate calculation of employee final settlements, including severance pay where applicable.

1. Taxation and Statutory Compliance

• Prepare, review and submit statutory tax returns accurately and within prescribed deadlines, including corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax and employment-related taxes.

• Ensure statutory tax payments are made on time and maintain appropriate supporting records.

• Liaise with tax authorities and external tax advisers as required.

• Monitor changes in tax legislation and assess their implications for the school.

• Coordinate tax audits, respond to queries and support the resolution of tax assessments and disputes.

• Coordinate business licence renewals and other regulatory filings.

• Ensure annual audited financial statements are filed with the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) within the applicable statutory deadlines.

1. Cash Flow and Revenue Management

• Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts and support effective working capital management.

• Monitor receivables and payables and support effective liquidity management.

• Coordinate with campus cashiers and admissions teams to ensure accurate recording of school fees and other student-related income, timely collections and prompt issuance of receipts.

• Reconcile student fee collections and ensure revenue is accurately recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.

1. Team Coordination and Management Support

• Provide guidance and support to finance team members, promoting accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Coordinate with campus management and other departments to ensure compliance with financial procedures.

• Prepare financial information and analysis to support management decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, reporting and operational efficiency.

• Participate in the implementation and improvement of financial systems, including Sage, and the automation of accounting processes.

• Complete assignments delegated by the line manager promptly and provide clear updates on progress and completion.

Job Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in accounting and finance, with substantial responsibility for financial reporting, reconciliations, taxation and statutory compliance.

• A recognised professional accounting qualification, such as ACCA, CPA or an equivalent qualification recognised in the relevant jurisdiction.

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related discipline.

• Strong written and spoken English proficiency, including the ability to prepare professional financial reports and communicate effectively with international stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing monthly management accounts, maintaining accurate balance sheet reconciliations and managing month-end closing processes.

• Strong working knowledge of Ethiopian tax legislation, accounting requirements and statutory reporting obligations.

• Proven experience using accounting systems and strong Microsoft Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Practical experience with Sage 200 is highly desirable and will be a significant advantage.

• Experience in a multi-site organisation, preferably in education or a similarly structured service organisation.

• Experience coordinating external audits and liaising with tax authorities.

• Experience supervising or mentoring finance staff.

• Familiarity with IFRS and formal internal control frameworks.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to meet strict reporting and statutory deadlines.

• A proactive approach to identifying, resolving and escalating accounting issues.

• High standards of integrity, confidentiality and professional conduct.

• The ability to work independently, take ownership of deliverables and follow through on commitments.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across campuses and departme

How To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications to jobs@flipperschools.com

Applications should clearly indicate:

• Professional accounting qualifications and membership status, where applicable.

• Relevant accounting and finance experience.

• Experience with Sage 200 or other accounting systems.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.