Reports To: Finance Manager / Managing Director

Location: Plateau, Lagos

ROLE SUMMARY

The Accountant will manage and oversee the financial operations of the company, ensuring accuracy, compliance, cost efficiency, and strategic financial planning. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with strong experience in pharmaceutical or FMCG accounting, excellent analytical abilities, and proven capacity to drive financial performance and operational efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and proper classification of all financial transactions.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, cash flow monitoring, and treasury functions.
• Generate management reports including P&L, balance sheet analysis, ageing reports, and performance dashboards.

2. Inventory, Cost Management & Efficiency Improvement

• Monitor stock movement, product costing, batch tracking, and expiry management.
• Reconcile warehouse stock with accounting records and investigate variances.
• Track and analyse landed cost of imports (Form M processes, clearing, freight, duty, insurance).
• Implement cost-saving initiatives across procurement, operations, and logistics.
• Identify inefficiencies in financial and operational processes and recommend improvements to enhance profitability.

3. Compliance & Regulatory

• Ensure adherence to VAT, WHT, PAYE, Company Income Tax, pension, NSITF, and other statutory obligations.
• Prepare and file statutory returns promptly.
• Maintain complete and compliant documentation for audits and regulatory reviews.

Accounts Receivable & Payable Management

• Oversee customer invoicing, credit control, and receivables management.
• Ensure strict follow-up on outstanding payments and reduce debtor days.
• Review and validate supplier invoices and ensure timely, accurate payments.
• Maintain accurate ledgers for both customers and suppliers.

Budgeting, Risk Assessment & Financial Strategy

• Support in preparing annual budgets, financial forecasts, and business plans.
• Conduct financial risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Analyse trends, market conditions, and operational data to guide strategic decisions.
• Provide insights to management on cash flow, pricing, profitability, and long-term financial sustainability.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Establish and enforce strong internal control systems across finance, warehouse, and sales operations.
• Review existing procedures and recommend updates to reduce losses, leakages, and inefficiencies.
• Ensure strict adherence to company policies and financial best practices.

Liaison With External Stakeholders

• Liaise with auditors (internal & external), tax authorities, banks, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate audit exercises, provide required documentation, and ensure prompt resolution of audit queries.
• Maintain good working relationships with financial institutions and partners.

Documentation, Audit Support & Record Management

• Prepare all audit schedules and maintain robust archive systems.
• Ensure all financial documents are properly filed, secure, and easily retrievable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years relevant experience, preferably in pharmaceuticals or FMCG.
• ICAN or ACCA certification is mandatory.
• Strong grasp of accounting standards, tax laws, inventory controls, and cost accounting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (Sage, QuickBooks, Tally, or ERP systems).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and confidentiality.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Financial analysis & reporting
• Cost management & efficiency improvement
• Tax knowledge & regulatory compliance
• Budgeting, risk assessment & financial strategy
• Inventory and cost accounting
• Stakeholder management
• Internal control & audit readiness
• Strong Excel and ERP proficiency

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office-based role with regular interactions across warehouse, sales, procurement, and management.
• May require occasional visits for stock checks, audits, or external meetings.