Regional Chief Accountant

JOB PURPOSE: The Regional Chief Accountant leads the General Ledger function across the region's legal entities, ensuring the integrity, accuracy and reliability of the financial statements. The role oversees the timely recording, reconciliation and reporting of transactions in line with Group accounting policies, IFRS and local statutory requirements, while managing the GL team and providing technical guidance on accounting matters. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Financial Reporting & Closing Lead the month-end and year-end closing processes, reviewing and approving journal entries, accruals, prepayments and adjustments. Deliver accurate and timely monthly and annual statutory and management reports for all regional entities. Ensure all transactions are accurately captured, classified and posted to the appropriate general ledger accounts. General Ledger & Reconciliations Ensure balance sheet reconciliations, including bank reconciliations, are completed on time and exceptions are cleared promptly. Monitor and reconcile prepayment and accrual schedules, ensuring correct P&L impact and timely clearance of aged items. Ensure fixed assets are correctly recorded and depreciated in line with company accounting policy. Investigate and resolve discrepancies and unusual or inconsistent entries in a timely manner. IFRS 16 – Leases Identify and assess contractual arrangements to determine whether they meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16. Review lease schedules and prepare the required financial statement disclosures, including significant terms, future lease payments and other qualitative and quantitative information. Audit, Controls & Compliance Manage quarterly and annual audit preparation for the GL with external and internal auditors, and address audit findings. Continuously monitor the internal control environment and recommend improvements in line with Group requirements. Liaise with Treasury Operations to ensure the regional banking environment complies with Group requirements for each legal entity. Ensure accounting activities comply with Group policies and procedures and local statutory requirements. Team Leadership Lead, coach and develop the GL team, including assigning work, providing training and conducting performance evaluations. Set team performance metrics and monitor progress throughout the year. Act as the point of contact for GL-related queries from other departments, providing timely explanations and support. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field. Fully qualified member of ACA, CPA, ACCA or an equivalent professional body. 8–10 years of relevant accounting experience, including 2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial role. Experience with Oracle ERP is highly desirable. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: In-depth knowledge of IFRS, including IFRS 16, and of accounting principles and practices. Strong ability to prepare and analyse financial statements: balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. Sound knowledge of internal control frameworks and the ability to maintain effective controls. Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to executives, board members, auditors and non-finance staff. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex accounting issues. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Internal: Finance team members, including accountants, analysts and account managers; Treasury Operations; and business departments, to gather financial information and ensure agreed SLAs are met. External: External and internal auditors, providing documentation and explanations and addressing audit findings and recommendations; banks as required. Show more Show less