Senior Accountant Job Description

Job Summary:

The Senior Accountant is responsible for overseeing and managing financial reporting, accounting operations, and maintaining the accuracy of the company’s financial records. This position requires strong technical accounting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze complex financial data. The Senior Accountant will also support the preparation of financial statements, audits, budgeting, and compliance with accounting principles, as well as mentor and guide junior accountants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting:

  • Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
  • Ensure all financial reports comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), depending on the region.
  • Review and analyze financial results and trends to provide recommendations for improving financial performance.

• General Ledger Maintenance:

  • Supervise the daily operations of the general ledger to ensure accurate posting of transactions and proper classification of financial information.
  • Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual closing activities to ensure the general ledger is reconciled.

• Reconciliation and Analysis:

  • Review and reconcile accounts, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved in a timely manner.
  • Perform monthly bank reconciliations, including clearing outstanding transactions and identifying errors.
  • Assist in reviewing and correcting journal entries to maintain accuracy in financial reporting.

• Budgeting and Forecasting:

  • Assist in the development and management of the company’s budget.
  • Analyze financial data to assist in forecasting future financial trends and recommend adjustments to budgets and forecasts.
  • Collaborate with department heads to ensure departmental budgets are aligned with the company’s financial goals.

• Internal Controls and Compliance:

  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies, including tax laws, corporate governance, and industry-specific regulations.
  • Maintain and implement internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial data.
  • Assist with external audits by providing necessary financial information and ensuring compliance with auditing requirements.

• Tax Compliance and Reporting:

  • Oversee the preparation and filing of tax returns, ensuring compliance with all applicable tax laws.
  • Work with tax advisors to optimize tax strategies and minimize liabilities.
  • Monitor changes in tax laws to ensure timely and accurate tax reporting.

• Team Leadership and Mentoring:

  • Supervise and mentor junior accountants, providing guidance, training, and support to help them develop professionally.
  • Review the work of junior accountants to ensure accuracy and provide constructive feedback.
  • Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment within the accounting team.

• Process Improvement:

  • Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency in accounting functions.
  • Recommend and help implement best practices in accounting systems and financial reporting.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • Professional certification such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is highly preferred.
  • Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance is a plus.

• Experience:

  • 5–7 years of experience in accounting, with at least 2–3 years in a senior or supervisory role.
  • Strong experience in preparing financial statements, general ledger management, and financial analysis.
  • Proven track record in managing budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
  • Experience with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.

• Skills:

  • Strong technical knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations.
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Leadership skills and experience in mentoring junior staff.

Key Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve discrepancies in financial data.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism in handling confidential financial information.
• Ability to adapt to new financial technologies and systems.
• Strong business acumen and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business goals.