Job Summary:
The Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing the financial management and accounting operations of Tropical Seed Company. This includes ensuring compliance with accounting standards, preparing financial reports, managing budgets, and maintaining accurate financial records. The role also involves strategic financial planning to support the company's growth in the agricultural sector.
Roles and Responsibilities
Financial Accounting
- Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and collections
- Ensure compliance with local tax regulations, including preparation and submission of tax returns
- Coordinate internal and external audits and implement recommendations to improve financial processes
- Ensure financial database's accuracy, quality, and reliability; develop and maintain all accounting procedures and systems
- Track gross margins and inventory calculations regularly
- Manage and ensure accuracy, integrity and control of accounting activities including, GL, AR, AP, FA, inventories, cash movements
- Manage and prepare corporate income taxes including WHT, VAT in line with local Revenue Codes
Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
- Analyze financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing insights and recommendations
- Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements, including statutory reports
- Maintain an organized set of detailed records and files to document financial transactions
- Create insightful analysis of the operational and financial performance
Audit and Internal Controls
- Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate the annual audit process.
- Develop and implement robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial accuracy.
Cross-functional Partnering
- Resolve complex accounting issues and assist the business in resolving financial issues
- Work closely with the cross functions to provide accounting & controlling supports
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and efficiency improvements across the organization.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, banks, and regulatory bodies.
- Continuously review operational performance, providing high-quality financial information, identifying potential risks and opportunities for the business
- Analyze and challenge the business operation to identify cost savings and justification for expenses
- Develop and effectively manage direct reports for optimum performance and succession planning enablement
- Lead on developing and maintaining financial processes to ensure right control is in place.
Minimum Requirements (Education, Experience , Skills)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field. Chief Accountant certifcate is required. CPA, ACCA, or equivalent certification preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in managerial role.
- Skills:
- Strong knowledge of accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and organizational ability.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience in the agriculture or seed industry is an advantage.
- Familiarity with costing and manufacturing.
Working Conditions
- Full-time position with occasional travel to operational sites or external meetings.
- May require extended hours during reporting periods or financial audits.
