Account Specialist

Position Overview

The Accounts Specialist position supports the Accounts Function in the department of Finance in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely financial processing, with a focus on reconciliations, fund accounting, and accounts payable. The role is integral to maintaining the integrity of financial records related to endowment funds, scholarship funds, and chair funds, while ensuring alignment between internal records and external stakeholders such as donors and affiliated entities. The position also contributes to financial control and transparency through reconciliations, asset management, and adherence to applicable tax regulations and institutional policies.

Key Responsibilities

Reconciliations & Financial Controls

• Prepare and review monthly reconciliations of LUMS payable accounts with LEPF recoverable accounts, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Perform reconciliations for CES, Summer School, and Health Insurance accounts.
• Reconcile Chair Fund balances between LUMS and NMF records.

Fund Accounting & Donor Reporting

• Manage Chair Funds reporting and coordinate with Deans and departments regarding fund balances and utilisation.
• Prepare donor reports for Endowment Funds (ENF) and Scholarship/SHF funds in line with agreed reporting requirements.
• Monitor and summarise scholarship fund movements, highlighting key variances.
• Allocate Return on Investment (ROI) to relevant funds in accordance with defined policies.

Accounting & Asset Management

• Process asset capitalisation, including transfer from Assets Under Construction (AUC) to fixed assets.
• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register (FAR), including insurance records and disposals.
• Record and report financial activities of student societies, including income recognition.

System & Master Data Management

• Create and maintain General Ledger (GL) accounts and internal orders in the ERP system (preferably SAP).
• Maintain master data for vendors, donors, students (where applicable), and internal cost objects.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of financial data across systems.

Compliance & Coordination

• Ensure compliance with withholding tax regulations and institutional financial policies.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (e.g., departments, schools, administrative units) to resolve financial matters.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation, reconciliations, and clarifications.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of accounts payable, reconciliations, and fund accounting.
• Working knowledge of withholding tax regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP).
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Behaviours

• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Accountability and ownership
• Commitment to accuracy and quality
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Resilience and adaptability
• Professional and respectful stakeholder engagement

Qualifications

• ACCA

Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant experience.