Accountant (FMCG)

Location: Abuja

Reports to: Head of Finance/CFO

Job Type: Full-time 

About Company: Our client is a dynamic and rapidly expanding FMCG start-up, positioning itself as a leading distributor of fast-moving consumer goods across Nigeria.

Job Summary: The client is looking to hire a high-performing Accountant with strong commercial and financial controls experience in wholesale and retail FMCG. S/he must be able to reconcile complex financial streams (multiple warehouses, terminals, retail outlets, handle stock valuation, and periodic stocktakes with precision, harmonize bank facilities and credit lines, and ensure strict compliance with current and new Nigerian tax legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial & Accounting:

§  Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts in line with IFRS and Nigerian GAAP.

§  Ensure timely bank reconciliations across multiple accounts (operational, POS, supply credits, loans).

§  Oversee accounts receivable and payable, enforce strict aging controls, and optimize cash flow.

§  Manage fixed assets and depreciation schedules.

Wholesale & Retail Stock Control:

§  Lead periodic, full-cycle stocktaking (monthly and quarterly), coordinate teams, and reconcile physical stock with the ERP/Accounting system.

§  Investigate and resolve stock variances, fraud risk signals, and shrinkage.

Tax & Compliance:

§  Administer VAT, Withholding Tax, Companies Income Tax, and other statutory deductions as per the latest Nigerian tax laws.

§  Liaise with external tax consultants and government agencies during audits, filings, and compliance reviews.

§  Ensure seamless implementation of any new tax acts and requirements — no surprise penalties.

Bank Facilities & Cash Strategy:

§  Monitor and harmonize bank facilities — overdrafts, POS merchant settlements, trade credits.

§  Forecast financing needs and strategize to minimize borrowing costs.

§  Support treasury functions to ensure optimal utilization of liquidity.

Reporting & Insights:

§  Deliver weekly operational dashboards and monthly financial reviews to senior leadership with actionable insights.

§  Advise on pricing, promotions, discounts, and margin impact models.

§  Partner with Sales, Operations, and Inventory teams to align financial strategy with execution.

Systems & Controls:

§  Maintain integrity of accounting system — strict controls, audit trails, authorization workflows.

§  Train team members on process compliance and financial discipline.

Requirements

§  Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

§  Professional qualification (ICAN / ACCA / CPA / ACA)

§  3-5 years of hands-on experience in FMCG wholesale/retail accounting

§  Strong understanding of stocktaking processes, inventory valuation, and ERP systems

§  Deep knowledge of the Nigerian Tax Act, VAT, WHT, CIT, stamp duties, and compliance requirements

§  Advanced Excel skills; ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks Enterprise, Odoo, etc.)

§  Proven ability to reconcile complex bank portfolios and financial streams

KPI TARGET BENCHMARK

§  Nice-to-Have

§  Experience with multi-location operations

§  Exposure to treasury or bank negotiations

§  Experience working with external auditors

Benefits