Senior Accountant 10 views

Senior Accountant

Company: Elad Salt Manufacturing Company
Location: HQ, Addis Ababa
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Elad Salt Manufacturing Company

Elad Salt Manufacturing Company is a under construction and producer of high-quality salt products for industrial, agricultural, and consumer use. With a commitment to purity and innovation, the company sources premium raw salt and employs advanced refining processes to deliver consistent, reliable solutions. The product range includes table salt, water softening salt, de-icing salt, and specialty grades for food preservation and chemical processing. Factory is Located at Afar Region , Afedera Salt Producing Site and its Head Quarter is in Addis Ababa.

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant will oversee all accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance activities for both the construction phase and the upcoming production phase. This role is critical in managing cash flow for a dual-location operation, tracking project capital expenditures (CAPEX), preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS/Peachtree (or similar ERP), and ensuring tax compliance (VAT, withholding, corporate tax). The ideal candidate is a proactive leader comfortable with the complexities of a manufacturing start-up environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute all daily accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), and payroll for both Addis HQ and Afar site staff.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) for management review.
• Develop and monitor project budgets for the construction phase, tracking actual vs. planned CAPEX.
• Implement cost accounting systems to prepare for full production (tracking raw salt, refining chemicals, labor, utilities per unit).
• Track all construction-related expenditures (contractor payments, material purchases, equipment deposits) and ensure proper asset capitalization.
• Work with site managers in Afedera to verify inventory of raw salt, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Prepare periodic financial reports for investors/banks on construction progress and operational readiness.
• Ensure full compliance with Ethiopian tax laws (Ministry of Revenues): monthly VAT, withholding tax, payroll income tax, pension contributions, and annual corporate income tax returns.
• Liaise with external auditors and tax authorities; prepare audit schedules and resolve queries.
• Maintain accurate fixed asset register for all plant machinery, vehicles, and office equipment.
• Manage company cash flow to meet both HQ operational needs and site construction/procurement deadlines.
• Reconcile bank statements for multiple accounts (Addis and Afar region banking).
• Process supplier payments, contractor invoices, and employee expense reimbursements in a timely manner.
• Establish and enforce internal control policies to prevent fraud, errors, and misappropriation of assets.
• Assist in implementing or optimizing accounting ERP software (e.g., Peachtree/Sage, QuickBooks, or IFRS-compliant system) for dual-location integration.
• Train and supervise junior accounting staff (if any) and coordinate with site-based administrative personnel.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Accounting, Finance, or related field from a recognized university.
• Master’s degree (MA/MSc) in Accounting or MBA-Finance is highly desirable.
• Professional certification (ACCA, CPA, or Certified Public Accountant in Ethiopia) is a strong plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 4-5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a senior accountant role.
• Mandatory: Experience in a manufacturing, construction, or industrial project environment (cost accounting, CAPEX tracking).
• Experience working with dual-location operations (head office + remote site) is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Ethiopian tax laws, customs regulations (for imported machinery/inputs), and financial reporting standards.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in accounting software (Peachtree/Sage, QuickBooks, or similar ERP).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modeling).
• Knowledge of IFRS and Ethiopian accounting standards.

Soft Skills & Attributes:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines (month-end, tax filing, audit).
• Integrity, transparency, and a proactive “hands-on” attitude – willing to travel to Afar site periodically (e.g., once a month or as required).
• Excellent communication skills (Amharic and English; Afar language skills are a plus but not required).

Working Conditions & Travel

• Primary location: Addis Ababa (Head Office).
• Travel: Occasional travel (estimated 1 week per month or as needed) to the Afedera Salt Producing Site in the Afar Region to review site accounts, verify inventory, and meet with site management.
• Environment: Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment during construction-to-production transition.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and industry standards.
• Transport allowance or company transport (as per policy).
• Per diem and accommodation provided during travel to Afar site.
• Opportunity for professional growth as the company scales to full production.