Head of Accounting (Public Sector)

Our client is a foremost firm in the Marine Transport Sector of the economy, with local and international repute, situated in Lagos, Nigeria.  The organisation has vast experience managing, enhancing, and improving navigation opportunities for the country's waterways.

We are looking to recruit a Head of Accounting who will lead and strategically manage the organisation's public-private accounting and finance relationships.

This role is essential to the success of a major international project based in Lagos State.

Job Objective

The main purpose of the job

• To lead and manage the accounting function to ensure the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards and regulations, and the implementation of effective financial management practices.
• The objective is to provide strategic financial guidance to the project, optimise accounting processes, and foster a culture of accuracy, transparency, and accountability in financial operations.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Preparation of Financial Statements: Oversee the preparation and presentation of timely and accurate financial statements by relevant accounting standards (e.g., GAAP or IFRS).
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including tax laws, financial reporting requirements, and auditing standards. 
• Audit Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors during financial audits, ensuring all necessary documentation and information are provided.

Strategic Financial Management

• Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the budgeting process, working with department heads to develop and monitor budgets and forecasts that align with the project’s strategic goals.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making, including variance analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and financial modelling.

Compliance and Controls

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Team Leadership

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Establishing Internal Controls: Design and implement internal controls to safeguard the project’s assets and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct risk assessments related to financial processes, developing strategies to mitigate identified risks.

KPIs

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial report

• Compliance Rate

• Budget Variance

• Financial Forecast Accuracy

• Audit Findings

Qualifications & Experience

(Experience, education, and certification required of the employee performing the job)

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• five years of accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and regulations
• Financial management and reporting
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Competencies Required

(Indicate essential functional skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for performing the job.

1. Communication skills
2. Budgeting and forecasting
3. Accounting Knowledge
4. Taxation knowledge
5. Financial Reporting
6. Audit Coordination
7. Project Management
8. Relationship management