Senior Accountant (10 Positions)

About the Assignment

Optimum Audit and Consulting Service has been engaged by several reputable clients to manage the end-to-end recruitment process for ten Senior Accountant positions. Optimum is responsible for application screening, shortlisting, interview coordination, and related recruitment support services. Final selection decisions rest with the respective client organizations, and each successful candidate will be placed directly with one of them based on fit and requirements.

Optimum invites applications from qualified, experienced, and results-oriented professionals who can contribute to robust financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within the finance functions of its clients.

Position Overview

Our clients are seeking highly skilled Senior Accountants to lead end-to-end accounting operations and support the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. The role requires strong technical grounding in IFRS, GAAP, and Ethiopian tax legislation, together with sound professional judgment and the ability to strengthen accounting processes within the assigned organization.

Reporting to the assigned supervisor, the Senior Accountant will oversee general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, tax compliance, treasury and cash flow management, inventory and cost accounting, import cost build-up, internal controls, and audit coordination. The role may also involve supervision of junior accounting staff and liaison with auditors, tax authorities, regulators, suppliers, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Manage and reconcile financial transactions in accordance with applicable accounting standards and organizational policy.
• Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow analyses.
• Conduct detailed variance analyses and translate findings into actionable insights for management decision-making.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning

Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Oversee the processing of accounts payable and receivable to ensure timely, accurate settlement.
• Review invoices, contracts, and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Reconcile vendor, customer, and intercompany accounts, resolving discrepancies promptly.

Taxation and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate and manage the timely preparation and submission of statutory filings, including VAT, withholding tax, annual profit tax, and social security contributions.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable tax legislation and advise on its implications.
• Serve as a primary liaison with auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies during audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.

Treasury and Cash Flow Management

• Oversee bank reconciliations and cash flow monitoring to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage payroll processing, including verification of salary payments, deductions, and statutory contributions.
• Administer foreign currency transactions and advise on currency risk and exchange control compliance.

Inventory Management and Cost Accounting

• Maintain accurate, compliant inventory records, ensuring proper valuation and reconciliation with physical counts.
• Develop and monitor cost accounting frameworks to support pricing and profitability analysis.
• Implement stock control measures to minimize losses and optimize inventory turnover.

Import Cost Build-Up

• Calculate total landed cost for imported goods, incorporating purchase price, freight, customs duties, insurance, clearing charges, and other associated costs.
• Ensure accurate allocation of import-related expenses to inventory in accordance with accounting standards.
• Monitor and advise on the impact of tariff changes and foreign exchange movements on profitability.

Internal Controls and Process Improvement

• Maintain and strengthen internal control frameworks to safeguard assets and enhance reporting accuracy.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline accounting workflows and reporting processes.
• Provide documentation and support during internal and external audits, including tax audits.

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead, mentor, and develop junior accounting staff.
• Act as a primary point of contact on financial matters, delivering clear and timely communication to stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships, offering strategic financial guidance that supports organizational objectives.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Active pursuit of, or demonstrated interest in, further professional certification (e.g., ACCA) is considered a strong advantage.

Experience

• Three to four years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, or audit, preferably within a professional services or multi-client environment serving organizations across diverse sectors, including private and development organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in inventory management, cost accounting, tax accounting, and import cost build-up within a client-service setting.

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in accounting software such as Peachtree or QuickBooks, together with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Ethiopian tax legislation, IFRS, GAAP, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple engagements concurrently under tight deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and client relationship management skills.
• Proven leadership and team development capability.

Compensation

• Successful candidates will be offered competitive remuneration and benefits packages, commensurate with qualifications and experience, in line with the compensation structure of the respective client organization. Each role offers the opportunity to work in a professional environment and to develop deep accounting and finance expertise within a dynamic, client-focused setting.