Senior Accountant

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.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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 department