Senior Accountant – Logistics Industry

Location: Lusaka

Employment: Type: Full-time

Experience Required: 7+ years

Qualifications: Bachelor of Finance and Accounting or greater

Department: Finance & Accounting

About Us

We are a fast-growing logistics and supply chain organization dedicated to delivering reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions for our clients. We are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join our team and play a key role in strengthening our financial operations.

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant will oversee day-to-day accounting activities, ensure accurate financial reporting, and support strategic financial planning. This role requires a seasoned professional with deep knowledge of accounting principles and hands-on experience within the logistics, transportation, or supply chain sector.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger Management

Oversee the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger across all business units.
Review and approve journal entries prepared by junior accountants.
Maintain chart of accounts and ensure consistency across cost centers and departments.
Reconcile sub-ledgers to the general ledger on a monthly basis.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies in account balances promptly.

Month-End and Year-End Closing

Lead the full month-end closing process, ensuring all financial activities are recorded accurately and on time.
Prepare monthly accruals, amortizations, and adjustments.
Develop and maintain the closing calendar; coordinate with cross-functional teams.
Analyze variances between budgeted and actual results, providing detailed explanations.
Support annual financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP/IFRS.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Prepare consolidated financial reports, including P&L statements, balance sheet, and cash flow.
Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Provide strategic recommendations based on financial performance indicators.
Create detailed cost analyses related to logistics operations (fuel, freight, warehousing, labor, etc.).
Present financial insights to senior management and participate in strategic planning discussions.

Accounts Payable Oversight

Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment runs.
Review freight invoices, demurrage charges, and logistics-related billing for accuracy.
Reconcile vendor statements and resolve outstanding issues.
Maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate terms when necessary.
Implement controls to minimize duplicate, fraudulent, or unauthorized transactions.

Accounts Receivable Oversight

Monitor customer billing cycles, ensuring timely invoicing for freight, warehousing, customs clearance, and other services.
Oversee credit control activities and assess customer credit risk.
Track aging reports and lead collection strategies for overdue accounts.
Resolve billing disputes in coordination with operations and sales teams.
Recommend credit limits and payment terms based on financial risk.

Cash Flow, Budgeting & Forecasting

Prepare weekly and monthly cash flow reports, highlighting key inflows and outflows.
Develop annual budgets in collaboration with departmental leaders.
Update rolling forecasts based on operational changes and financial performance.
Monitor working capital requirements and recommend optimization strategies.
Identify cost-saving opportunities within logistics operations.

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Standards

Ensure compliance with corporate tax, VAT, customs-related taxes, and local regulations.
Prepare and file periodic tax returns, in collaboration with external tax advisors when needed.
Maintain documentation to support audits and tax filings.
Stay updated on regulatory changes affecting logistics and supply chain operations.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

Develop, implement, and monitor internal control systems across the finance function.
Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure compliance with accounting policies.
Identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements to improve accuracy and speed.
Update accounting policies and procedures as required.

Audit Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documents.
Address auditor inquiries and implement recommended improvements.
Ensure all audit requirements are met within established timelines.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Mentor, train, and support junior accountants and accounting assistants.
Delegate tasks effectively while ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
Collaborate closely with operations, procurement, logistics, and management teams.
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and process excellence.

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS COMPANY

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