JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Assistant Accountant is responsible for supporting the finance department in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and statutory requirements. This role plays critical part in daily accounting operations, including reconciliations, transaction processing, financial analysis, and supporting month‑end and year‑end close processes. The Assistant Accountant will work closely with the Accountant to ensure that all financial activities are executed efficiently, timely, and in alignment with organizational policies. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented finance professional seeking to strengthen their accounting expertise within an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) environment.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Prepare and post daily financial transactions into the ERP system.
2. Assist in preparing bank reconciliations, supplier account reconciliations, and customer account statements.
3. Review, verify, and file financial documents including invoices, receipts, GRNs, DN notes, and payment vouchers.
4. Assist in monitoring and reconciling stock movements by reviewing production reports, verifying raw material usage, tracking finished goods output, and performing periodic stock reconciliations; collaborate with production teams to investigate variances, validate consumption data, and ensure accurate costing and inventory valuation.
5. Support inventory management through periodic stock counts and reconciliation of system vs physical stock.
6. Assist in preparation of management accounts, financial schedules, and internal financial reports.
7. Support accounts payable and receivable by tracking invoices, processing payments, and monitoring outstanding balances, follow up on overdue accounts.
8. Ensure proper implementation and adherence to internal control procedures across all finance processes.
9. Perform daily reconciliation of stock movements and sales reports across all stations by verifying fuel/stock dispensed, closing balances, cash collections, and POS‑read data; investigate discrepancies, validate station submissions, and prepare consolidated daily stock‑and‑sales reconciliation reports for management review.
10. Participate in month‑end and year‑end closing activities, including journal entries and ledger reconciliations.
11. Maintain organized, up‑to‑date financial files, documentation, and audit-ready records.
12. Maintain supporting schedules for balance sheet accounts (e.g., accruals, prepayments, provisions).
13. Assist in statutory compliance processes, including VAT, PAYE, WHT, NAPSA, NHIMA (or relevant local compliance ERB)
14. Support payroll processing by preparing timesheets, verifying attendance records, reconciling payroll data, and ensuring accurate deductions for statutory obligations; assist with administrative tasks such as maintaining employee financial records, coordinating benefit contributions, and ensuring compliance with HR and finance policies.
15. Track and update the fixed asset register, including additions, disposals, and depreciation
16. Provide support during internal and external audits, ensuring timely provision of required documentation.
17. Participate in and support special finance projects such as system upgrades, process improvement initiatives, internal control enhancements, cost‑reduction programs, and data‑cleanup exercises, ensuring timely execution, accurate financial insights, and cross‑department collaboration.
18. Participate in finance-related training programs and ensure continuous learning of company systems and accounting standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
· Minimum of 1–2 years relevant accounting experience (experience in OMC/FMCG is an added advantage).
· Strong understanding of accounting principles, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic formulas).
· Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Navision, or similar) is an added advantage.
· Strong analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
· Good communication and interpersonal skills.
· Must be an active member or affiliate of ZiCA.
