Job Purpose

The Accounting Lead supports the integrity of the Company’s financial records through oversight of the General Ledger, preparation of reconciliations, coordination of month-end close activities, and support for financial and statutory reporting. The role operates as a generalist technical accounting position within the Finance Department and will be assigned across key areas of the accounting cycle to strengthen financial controls, support operational continuity, and build broader technical capability within the accounting function.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

General Ledger Management & Financial Integrity

• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the General Ledger in accordance with applicable accounting standards and Company policies.

• Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, provisions, and financial adjustments.

• Ensure proper classification and recording of financial transactions within the accounting system.

• Monitor key control accounts (AR, AP, payroll, intercompany) to ensure alignment with the General Ledger.

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Coordinate and execute month-end close activities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

• Prepare and consolidate management accounts, financial schedules, and draft financial statements for review by the Finance Manager.

• Analyse financial results and investigate variances, discrepancies, or unusual transactions.

Balance Sheet Reconciliations & Financial Controls

• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and proper supporting documentation.

• Investigate and resolve reconciliation discrepancies and maintain audit-ready schedules.

• Ensure adherence to reconciliation standards and internal control requirements.

Payroll Administration & Payroll Accounting

• Process monthly payroll in accordance with approved inputs and company policies.

• Ensure accurate calculation and processing of statutory deductions (PAYE, NIS, Health Surcharge).

• Prepare payroll journal entries and reconcile payroll-related General Ledger accounts.

• Liaise with HR to validate payroll inputs including employee changes, leave, and compensation updates.

Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Reporting

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and other statutory filings in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and maintain supporting schedules for all submissions.

• Monitor changes in statutory regulations impacting accounting and payroll processes.

Audit Coordination & Financial Documentation

• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation for internal and external audits.

• Coordinate audit requests and ensure timely availability of financial records.

• Maintain organised financial documentation and escalate any identified risks or irregularities.

Oversight of Transactional Accounting

• Review reconciliation schedules and outputs prepared by the Accounting Supervisor and accounting staff.

• Monitor AR and AP control balances to ensure accurate reflection in the General Ledger.

• Support resolution of discrepancies arising from transactional accounting activities.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and segregation of duties across accounting operations.

Cross-Functional Financial Coordination

• Liaise with internal departments (Sales, Procurement, Warehouse, HR, Operations) to ensure accurate financial recording of transactions.

• Provide guidance on financial documentation requirements and support resolution of operational discrepancies impacting financial reporting.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain integrity of financial data within the accounting system.

• Support continuous improvement of accounting procedures, reconciliation processes, and financial reporting standards.

• Assist with documentation and standardisation of accounting policies and procedures.

Compliance with Company Policies

• Ensure compliance with all Company policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements applicable to financial operations.

Qualifications & Experience required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline required.

• ACCA (Strategic Professional stage) completed or near completion, or equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.

• Minimum of 5–7 years’ progressive accounting experience within a structured finance environment.

• Demonstrated experience in leading month-end close and preparing management accounts.

• Experience within a manufacturing or distribution environment preferred.

• Proven ERP system experience required.