Senior Accountant

Role Overview

This position leads the day-to-day accounting operations of a higher education institution, acting as the second-in-command to the Chief Accountant and as the direct supervisor for accounting staff. The Senior Accountant ensures every transaction is accurately recorded, periodically reconciled, and reported in line with institutional policy and professional standards, so that leadership always has reliable financial information for planning and control. Beyond routine record-keeping, the role is a key checkpoint for internal controls and audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the accounting team in processing transactions, maintaining ledgers, and completing monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities.
• Review journal entries, invoices, payment batches, and reconciliation schedules for accuracy and proper authorization.
• Prepare financial statements, management accounts, and cash flow reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Lead the reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts, resolving discrepancies in bank statements, receivables, and payables.
• Monitor compliance with institutional financial policies, tax regulations, and statutory reporting deadlines.
• Support the Chief Accountant in coordinating external audits, preparing audit files, and implementing audit recommendations.
• Provide direction and training to accounting staff, distributing workloads and checking that deadlines are met.
• Assist in budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and variance analysis.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification at Part II level or above; active membership in a recognised professional body is an added advantage.
• At least four years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, with a minimum of two years supervising or leading accounting staff.
• Strong working knowledge of financial reporting standards, accounting principles, and internal control frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience with accounting software, ERP systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to meet reporting deadlines.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive financial information confidentially.