Accountant/Finance Officer

About the client

Our client, who is a multi-disciplinary firm providing high-quality and professional services to the public and private sectors in the areas of construction, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, and procurement of specialized supplies, is seeking a results-driven and strategic Accountant/Finance officer.

Job Summary

The ideal candidate will ensure financial accountability and compliance with statutory obligations. This includes processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, assisting with audit processes, and ensuring timely statutory filings (VAT, income tax, NSSF, local service tax, URSB).

They will also support smooth financial operations with a focus on accurate transaction processing, reconciliations, and stakeholder coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Financial and Project Accounting and Record-Keeping:

• Process and record all financial transactions including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, ensuring proper authorization and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial records in accordance with IFRS and company accounting policies.
• Manage accountability of financial transactions through source documents (LPOs, GRNs, DNs invoices) ensuring accuracy and compliance with procedures.
• Complete all month-end processes as per company policy including Receivables reconciliations, Inventory reconciliations, Fixed asset register updates, Bank account reconciliations and Postings and necessary adjustments
• Reconcile all general ledger accounts, bank accounts, and control accounts monthly, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Implement project-based accounting to track profitability, expenses, and revenue recognition for each electro-mechanical project.
• Monitor project budgets versus actual expenditure and provide regular reports to Project Managers and the Finance Manager.
• Review project costing, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs, ensuring accurate allocation.
• Prepare Interim Payment Certificates and progress claims for client invoicing in coordination with the Operations department.
• Maintain an updated fixed assets register and ensure proper tagging and verification of company assets.

Financial Reporting and Auditing Management

• Prepare weekly and monthly status reports on receivables, payables, inventory, and other company assets.
• Support the Finance Manager in the preparation of monthly, Quarterly, Sem-annual, annual management accounts and other ad-hoc reporting requirements.
• Prepare supporting schedules for Financial Statements that are in line with IFFRS and Ugandan GAAP Accounting Standards.
• Provide support to auditors by gathering and organizing relevant financial documents and information while responding to the audit queries raised during the audit purposes.
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial processes in line with company policies and the IMS requirements.
• Ensure all financial processes align with the requirements of the company’s ISO 9001:2015 Integrated Management System.
• Participate in internal audits as scheduled and implement corrective actions for any finance-related nonconformities.

Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely filing of all periodic Business and Tax returns including VAT, PAYE, WHT, Income Tax, NSSF, local service tax and URSB
• Stay updated on relevant tax and regulatory laws and regulations, implementing necessary changes to ensure the company’s compliance.
• Collaborate with the Finance Manager in managing tax compliance and developing tax planning strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

Receivables and Payables Management

• Handle both accounts Receivable and Payable processes, including invoice preparation and processing, payment scheduling, and Client and Supplier communications.
• Collaborate with the Project Managers in ensuring timely and effective preparation of Project Valuation Reports and issuance of Interim Payment Certificates.
• Collaborate with the Finance Officer to monitor Receivables’ and Payables’ status and prioritize payments, reminding the Finance Manager about upcoming due payables as needed.
• Prepare Weekly and Monthly project budget variance reports highlighting the reasons for discrepancies between actuals and budgets.
• Collaborate with Procurement Officer and Project Manager in optimizing procurement timelines and project budgets.

Cashflow and Financial Risk Management

• Assist in managing cash flow to ensure the company’s liquidity, particularly focusing on
• cash withdrawals, payments, and receivables.
• Monitor accounts receivable and payables to ensure optimal use of the Company’s Working Capital Cycle.
• Prepare draft essential bank documents for securing financing, including bank letters, Letters of Credit, Bid and Performance Guarantees.
• Manage bank withdrawals, deposits and payments, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and banking regulations.
• Support in implementing effective credit control measures related to
• Assist in accurate and timely staff payroll preparation in alignment with finance
• Identify and assist in managing financial risks, including currency fluctuations and credit risks related to cash withdrawals, payments, and receivables.
• Collaborate with the Finance Manager in managing relationships with bankers, auditors, and tax authorities related to cash management and payments.
• Manage and handle petty cash, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with finance policies.

Communication and collaboration

• Collaborate with the Finance Manager in monitoring performance of budgets, especially through discussions with operations managers.
• Assist reviewing Project performance and reporting to the Finance Manager particularly focusing on the budget, cash management, payments, and receivables.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; a professional Certification in Tax, CPA, ACCA is preferred
• At least 2 years’ experience as an Accountant or Finance Officer preferably in engineering, construction or a related industry.
•  Ability to identify financial challenges, analyze root causes, and develop creative solutions to address complex financial issues and optimize financial performance.
• Commitment to ethical standards and integrity in financial management practices, including transparency, honesty, and accountability.
• Familiarity with financial software, ERP systems, and analytical tools to streamline financial processes, enhance efficiency, and generate meaningful insights from data.
• Understanding of tax regulations and experience in tax planning to ensure adherence to compliance requirements

Working Conditions

• This position typically operates in an office
• May require occasional travel to project sites or client
• Full-time position, with the potential need for overtime during peak financial