Accounting Lead

ABOUT THE COMPANY

AZADEA Group is a premier lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 40 leading international franchise concepts in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishings, sporting goods, multimedia and beauty and cosmetics across the Middle East and Africa spread across 13 countries overseeing more than 700 stores.

JOB PURPOSE

The Accounting Lead is responsible for overseeing and supervising core accounting functions, ensuring compliance with group accounting policies, procedures, and local laws/regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, update, and monitor compliance with core accounting policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to relevant sections of the Finance department's Delegation of Authority Matrix.

• Supervise the preparation of regular accounting reports, including the trial balance, monthly payment schedule, daily cash report, and daily collection report. Validate and ensure the accuracy of financial data by reconciling ledgers and accounts.

• Analyze transactional processes to identify opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency. Implement improvements in workflow, automation, simplification, and standardization of processes to streamline operations.

• Monitor and track payments to suppliers, approve checks and payment vouchers based on approved authority. Supervise bank transactions, letters of credit (LCs), shipping documents, and other financial instruments to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.

• Coordinate the monthly and annual close process, ensuring adherence to cut-off dates and making necessary adjustments as per the period-end calendar.

• Maintain and update the Chart of Accounts for each entity to ensure consistency and alignment with current business needs.

• Process and approve inter-company transactions to prevent double counting and ensure the accuracy of financial statements. Ensure the integrity of accounting records and financial systems and strengthen internal controls.

• Collaborate with IT team to define user requirements for system development and upgrades, ensuring alignment with business needs and objectives.

• Produce and validate ad hoc reports and presentations as requested by management. Collaborate closely with the Shared Service Centre team to oversee and validate the preparation of financial reports, ensuring compliance with group timelines. Report to country management as required.

• Ensure adherence to taxation regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and company procedures. Collaborate closely with internal and external auditors throughout financial and operational audits to ensure the provision of accurate and timely information.

• Monitor the annual country budget, identifies variances, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.

• Assist Azadea's Business Services team with special projects requested by upper management.

• Recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate the team to ensure that the department has the necessary skill base, and that staff are optimally motivated and enabled to maximize their potential and contribution to the company.

LANGUAGE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with emphasis on Accounting, or Finance, or a related field.

MBA or CPA is a plus.

EXPERIENCE

General Experience

Six to eight years of experience in a similar role.

Managerial Experience

Three years of experience in a managerial role.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Financial Acumen

Interprets and applies key financial indicators to make better business decisions. For example, provides rich and rigorous forecasts of the financial implications of ideas and opportunities. Makes well-balanced decisions regarding expenditures that take into account multiple considerations.

Balances Stakeholders

Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders. For example, ensures that own efforts meet the needs and requirements of internal and external stakeholders. Works to identify all relevant issues and satisfy the interests of multiple stakeholders during the decision-making process.

Plans and Aligns

Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. For example, outlines clear plans that put actions in a logical sequence; conveys some time frames. Aligns own work with relevant workgroups. Takes some steps to reduce bottlenecks and speed up the work.

Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. For example, accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. For example, finds many ways to add value to the team; probes to draw out richer input from others; is a valued resource who goes out of the way to help others.

Develops Talent

Develops people to meet both their career goals and the organization's goals. For example, consistently shares ideas, insight, and best practices to help people reach their development goals and achieve optimal results. Shares targeted feedback in a prompt, constructive, and encouraging manner.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. For example, consistently adheres to organizational policies and practices, even when they are unpopular or inconvenient. Builds trust by honoring commitments and by being open and honest at work.

Azadea Group is an Equal Employment Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local laws.