ACCOUNTANT

JOB TITLE: ACCOUNTANT

DEPARTMENT: FINANCE

REPORT TO: MANAGING DIRECTOR

JOB PURPOSE:

The Accountant is responsible for managing the daily financial operations of the organisation. This role ensures accurate recording, reporting, and reconciliation of financial transactions, and plays a key part in budgeting, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting skills, be a super user of Sage accounting software, an eye for detail, and the ability to communicate financial insights effectively to support strategic decision-making within the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Accountancy (Bookkeeping and Record-Keeping) 

Bookkeeping - Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records, including recording daily transactions, managing the general ledger, and ensuring all financial data is properly classified inclusive of;

• Recording all financial transactions, including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, into appropriate accounting software or ledger systems
•  Maintaining the general ledger by categorizing transactions into various accounts such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses, according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or other relevant accounting standards
• Monthly Bank Reconciliation by reconciling the bank statements with the general ledger and resolving all discrepancies or errors are identified promptly
• Accounts Receivable Management by invoicing customers, tracking payments, following up on overdue invoices, and recording revenue as it is received
• Accounts Payable Management by recording bills and invoices, tracking payments to suppliers, scheduling payments, and reconciling accounts payable balances with the general ledger.
• Recording of Property, Plants and Equipment and calculation and accounting of monthly depreciation
• Preparation and maintenance of a Fixed Asset Register
• Generating and provision of financial reports such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements on a regular basis
• Assist with the auditing of the financial records.

2. Payroll Services 

Preparing and filing all applicable statutory returns in a timely manner, including:

• Payroll processing involving calculating of employee wages, salaries, bonuses, and other compensation components
• Provision of monthly payslips to employees
• Withholding of taxes from employees' salaries ie Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Bonus Tax, Overtime Tax
• Preparation and filing of the monthly tax returns (Monthly PAYE Returns and schedules)
• Ensuring accurate calculation and timely remittance of taxes to the appropriate tax authorities – Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
• The enrollment, deductions, and contributions for pension plans (SSNIT Tier 1, 2 and 3), and other employee benefits programs
• Preparation and filing of year-end tax returns (Employer's Annual PAYE Return) and the provision to employees their annual compensation and tax deductions summary.

3. Tax Compliance Services

Preparing and filing all applicable statutory returns in a timely manner, including

• Preparation and filing of monthly VAT Returns 
• Preparation and filing of monthly NHIL, GETfund and COVID-19 Levies Return
• Preparation and filing of monthly Withholding Tax Returns
• Preparation and filing of quarterly and annual Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Returns
• Monitoring changes in tax laws, regulations, and rulings to ensure clients remain compliant with evolving tax requirements and providing updates and guidance as needed
• Answering tax-related inquiries and providing guidance as needed excluding GRA tax audits.
• Any other statutory returns required by law.  

4. Financial Reporting

Preparing and presenting various financial reports, including:

• Monthly and quarterly management accounts for internal review and foreign partners.
• Annual financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

5. Reconciliation and Trial Balance

• Performing monthly bank reconciliations for all company bank accounts.
• Preparing the trial balance to ensure the accuracy of ledger entries.

6. Preparation of Annual Budget

Liaising with departments to prepare Annual budget by November of each year, tracking of expenditure and enforcement of budget controls.

7. Other Duties

Performing any other accounting-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles
• Competence in accounting software (Sage)
• Practical experience in tax calculation and statutory submissions
• Financial reporting and audit preparation
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skill

Soft Skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong confidentiality and ethical conduct
• Ability to work under pressure with strict deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Reliability, integrity, and professionalism
• Strong organizational and time management skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS          

• BSc Accounting / Finance / Commerce
• Minimum 5 years accounting experience
• Experience in oil & gas industry preferred
• Working knowledge of Ghana Tax Laws and hands-on experience with GRA statutory filing systems

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)

1. Financial Accuracy & Timeliness:

• Reporting Accuracy: Minimal errors in financial statements and reconciliations.
• Timeliness: On-time preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

2. Operational Efficiency:

• Reconciliation Efficiency: Reduced time to resolve discrepancies in bank and ledger reconciliations.
• Process Improvements: Implementation of effective measures that streamline transaction processing and reporting.

3. Compliance & Audit Performance:

• Audit Findings: Minimal or no audit discrepancies or non-compliance issues identified.
• Regulatory Adherence: Consistent compliance with local tax and financial regulations.

4. Budget Management & Analysis:

• Variance Analysis: Effective monitoring and explanation of budget variances and cost trends.