Overview

APM Terminals Tanzania– Inland Services currently has a vacancy for a Chief Accountant. This role will direct and organize all general accounting activities and accounting staff as well as prepare accounting and financial reports and ensure accurate accounting systems and record keeping. This role will also control the overall book-keeping process with the varied nature of tasks performed every day and is the custodian of financial statements of the company.

We offer

Specific exposure to accounting & audit management in a Transport and Logistics Industry
Exposure to operations in the Transport and Logistics Industry
Relevant next career steps might be:
Finance Manager to handle funds management
Position within regional or central finance function
Head of Finance in a smaller terminal

Key responsibilities

Maintains the general ledger and all related accounts with proper documentation and records of all company transactions; reviews entries to the general and subsidiary ledgers to assure accuracy and compliance with the company's and established accounting principles; controls all changes to chart of accounts.
Responsible for monthly and year-end closing of the general ledger including preparation of journal entries.
Responsible for maintaining computerized accounting system, backup control, assisting accounting staff with questions and generating computer reports and statements.
Administers preparation of interim, year-end and comparative financial reports; performs and provides analysis of current results to prior periods and/or budget.
Prepares required government reports as directed by the controller and responds to inquiries as necessary.
Responsible for review and preparation of payroll records and processing of payroll checks and reports by outside payroll service.
Maintains fixed asset records and control; determines depreciation terms/rates to apply to capitalized items; prepares property tax returns for review by Controller.
Ensures the subsidiary ledger of accounts payable is reconciled with the control accounts.
Reviews the General Ledger on a regular basis, to ensure cost codes are being properly used, and creates new ledger accounts or new transaction codes, as needed.
Processes depreciation calculations monthly.
Closes the general ledger every month, reporting final balances for monthly accounts.
Reviews the month-end trial balance for any obvious omissions or differences.
Ensures that the bank transfers have occurred so that payroll is funded.
Provides supervision and direction for subordinates including the following:
- When openings occur in the department, interviews and recommends qualified candidates for staffing requirements.
- Provides direction and instruction to subordinate staff, providing regular feedback and regular appraisals.
- Counsels subordinates, up to and including discipline or termination recommendations.
- Follows company management policies and procedures in the application of managing subordinates.
- Participates in career plan development for subordinates
The impact of this position will primarily be to ensure proper management of the books of accounts by the terminal allowing for timely & accurate MIS to enable decision making
The position is required to constantly find means for better financial reporting standards for the terminal. The position has a complex nature impacting both financial & operational performance.
Monthly management reports/analysis
Maintain statutory accounts in accordance with local laws and regulations
Submission of all relevant local statutory requirements i.e. WHT, VAT, PAYE, SDL, NSSF, WCF, corporate taxes etc
Responsible for both internal and external audits
Assist with finance Ad-hoc finance administration tasks e.g. insurance renewal etc.
Ensure timely collection of outstanding Accounts receivables as per country target.
Drive all the financial initiatives

We are looking for

This role requires a university degree in business or accounting.
Qualification as a Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant, or equivalent is preferable.
Requires at least 5 - 7 years of progressively more responsible general accounting and finance experience.
Requires at least two years of management / supervisory experience.
Must have extensive knowledge of international accounting standards, accounting principles and practices, including some knowledge of international audit standards.
Must have a working knowledge of Management Accounting fundamentals and its applications.
Must be familiar with best practices in the professional field of accounting.
Must have working knowledge of payroll, accounts payable, and general ledger processing.
Requires ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written.