HOD-Accounts

The Head of Department – Accounts is responsible for leading and managing all financial accounting operations of Kifayat Publishers. The HOD Accounts ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with Pakistani taxation and regulatory requirements, effective cost control, and supports the senior leadership in strategic financial decision-making to drive the company's Vision 2030 growth objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS/IAS and applicable Pakistani accounting standards.

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of profit & loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

• Monitor and analyze financial performance against budgets, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.

• Present financial reports to the MD and Board, providing insights and recommendations.

B. Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage all tax affairs including income tax, sales tax, withholding tax, and advance tax in accordance with the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Sales Tax Act 1990.

• Ensure timely filing of all FBR returns (monthly Sales Tax, annual Income Tax) and compliance with SECP requirements.

• Liaise with FBR, external auditors, and tax consultants to resolve queries and assessments.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in tax laws and their implications for the company.

C. Accounts Operations & Controls

• Supervise accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) functions, ensuring timely processing and reconciliation.

• Oversee payroll processing in compliance with EOBI, SESSI, and relevant labour regulations.

• Implement and maintain robust internal financial controls to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud.

• Review bank reconciliations, ledger reconciliations, and inter-company transactions.

D. Budgeting & Cost Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process in coordination with departmental heads.

• Monitor operational costs, printing costs, distribution expenses, and overhead allocations.

• Develop cost control measures and recommend efficiency improvements across departments.

• Conduct financial feasibility analyses for new publishing projects, product lines, and investments.

E. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and appraise the Accounts team including Accounts Officers and Assistants.

• Develop SOPs for all accounting functions and ensure consistent compliance.

• Organize training and professional development of accounts team members.

• Conduct performance reviews in alignment with HR policy and annual appraisal cycles.

F. Audit & Risk Management

• Coordinate and facilitate internal and external audits, ensuring all documentation is readily available.

• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Maintain proper record retention in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)

• Timely submission of financial statements (monthly within 5 working days of month-end).

• Zero instances of late FBR filing or regulatory non-compliance.

• Accounts receivable collection within 30-day cycle; payables managed within agreed terms.

• Clean external audit with no material findings.

• Budget variance maintained within ±5% for controllable costs.

• Team productivity, accuracy, and professional development scores.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• B.Com, M.Com, MBA Finance, ACCA (Part or Fully Qualified), CMA, or equivalent professional qualification.

• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in publishing, media, or FMCG.

• At least 3 years in a supervisory/managerial role overseeing an accounts team.

• Strong command of busy software or ERP-based accounting systems.

• In-depth knowledge of Pakistani tax laws (FBR), labour regulations (EOBI, SESSI), and SECP compliance.

• Proficiency in MS Excel (advanced), MS Word, busy software and financial reporting tools.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Financial Acumen & Analytical Thinking

• Leadership and Team Management

• Attention to Detail & Accuracy

• Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making under Pressure

• Integrity, Professionalism, and Confidentiality

Work Location: In person