Chief Accountant

About this role

We are seeking a highly skilled and business-oriented Chief Accountant to lead our financial operations and reporting within a dynamic FMCG environment. The role requires a strong command of costing, coupled with a strategic understanding of financial performance, compliance, and business impact. The ideal candidate will oversee the end-to-end accounting cycle, support management with data-driven insights, and enhance financial controls aligned with organizational goals.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Team Management
• Guide, mentor, and oversee a team of accountants to ensure optimal performance, precision, and ongoing professional growth.
• Establish clear roles, workflows, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the finance team, while monitoring productivity and output quality.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all accounting functions and financial reporting.
• Financial Reporting & Closing
• Supervise monthly, quarterly, and annual closing procedures to ensure adherence to IFRS and internal guidelines.
• Examine and sanction journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and provisions with analytical support.
• Compile and deliver accurate financial statements, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and management reports, providing in-depth commentary on performance relative to the budget.
• Costing & Landed Cost Management
• Establish and oversee precise calculations of landed costs by assigning freight, customs, insurance, and other import costs to inventory.
• Ensure the accurate valuation of cost of goods sold (COGS) and its appropriate representation in financial statements.
• Promote enhancements in inventory costing practices and partake in strategic pricing decisions.
• Cash Flow & Treasury Oversight
• Track short- and long-term cash flow forecasts; prioritize and schedule cash and cheque disbursements.
• Oversee payment cycles, bank reconciliations, and supplier payments, collaborating with procurement and operations teams.
• Compliance, Audit & Tax
• Coordinate with tax professionals for the timely and precise preparation of sales tax filings and other statutory obligations.
• Facilitate year-end audits with internal and external auditors; prepare audit schedules, provide justifications, and lead closing discussions.
• Enhance internal controls, ensure appropriate separation of duties, and recommend improvements to the financial control framework.
• Business Partnership & Analysis
• Assist senior management with financial insights, variance analysis, cost-efficiency recommendations, and profitability assessments across brands, channels, and regions.
• Engage in budgeting and forecasting processes; track actual results against forecasts and investigate discrepancies.
• Work closely with operations, logistics, and procurement to integrate finance with wider supply chain and business objectives.
• Process Improvement & System Optimization
• Regularly assess accounting processes and systems to pinpoint opportunities for automation, accuracy, and scalability.
• Lead or assist in ERP implementation and upgrades as required to improve financial data flow and reporting capabilities.
• Confidentiality & Professional Development
• Maintain high standards of integrity and confidentiality when managing financial and business information.
• Stay informed of local regulations, IFRS standards, and industry best practices through ongoing training and professional networking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• At least 8 years of progressive accounting experience, including a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or leadership position.
• Experience in the FMCG, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing industry, with extensive knowledge of landed cost accounting and inventory management.
• Strong background in financial reporting, internal controls, and audit preparation.
• Advanced skills in Excel and familiarity with accounting/ERP systems (SAP).
• Professional certifications such as CMA are highly valued.
• Proven ability to articulate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Exceptional leadership, analytical, and decision-making abilities.