Senior Accountant – Logistics Industry
Location: Lusaka
Employment: Type: Full-time
Experience Required: 10+ years
Qualifications: Bachelor of Finance and Accounting or greater
Department: Finance & Accounting
About Us
Connexafrica Zambia is 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.
