Financial Analyst

Job Summary:

The Accounting & Financial Analyst is responsible for supporting both accounting and financial analysis functions, including general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, and financial planning. The role ensures accuracy in financial records, assists in cash management, conducts financial analysis, and supports valuation exercises, all while adhering to company policies and compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Accounting & Bookkeeping

·         Maintain general ledger records, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and aligned with company policies and accounting standards.

·         Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes, including account reconciliations and journal entries.

·         Support the preparation of financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.

·         Participate in fixed asset tracking, ensuring proper classification and depreciation schedules.

·         Assist in maintaining internal controls, ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations.

2. Accounts Payable & Receivable

·         Process vendor invoices, employee reimbursements, and other payments, ensuring proper approvals and documentation.

·         Assist in managing accounts receivable, tracking outstanding balances, and following up on collections.

·         Prepare aging reports, highlighting overdue payments for necessary follow-ups.

3. Budgeting & Financial Planning

·         Support the preparation of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts, working closely with finance teams to ensure accuracy.

·         Assist in monitoring budget vs. actual performance, identifying variances, and providing basic financial insights.

·         Help in compiling financial stewardship reports for internal use and reporting to stakeholders.

4. Banking & Cash Management

·         Monitor daily cash balances and assist in preparing cash flow reports.

·         Help prepare cash call requests and coordinate with banks to obtain bank statements and resolve any discrepancies.

·         Assist in bank reconciliations, ensuring alignment between company records and bank transactions.

5. Financial Analysis & Reporting

·         Support financial analysis tasks, including cost variance analysis and profitability assessments.

·         Assist in the preparation of key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial dashboards.

·         Conduct basic financial modeling and scenario analysis to support decision-making.

·         Assist in preparing reports on business performance, providing insights to management.

6. Investment & Valuation Support

·         Support the preparation of valuation exercises for portfolio companies, assisting in financial due diligence.

·         Assist in conducting comparative financial analysis to support investment decision-making.

·         Help in reviewing financial statements of investee companies and flagging potential risks.

7. Compliance & Audit Support

·         Assist in internal and external audits, preparing necessary documentation and responding to audit queries.

·         Ensure financial records are properly maintained and stored for compliance purposes.

·         Support compliance with VAT, withholding tax, Zakat, and other regulatory requirements.

8. Policies, Systems & Process Improvements

·         Follow company accounting and financial policies, ensuring compliance with internal controls.

·         Suggest process improvements to enhance efficiency in financial operations.

·         Assist in the implementation of new financial systems and automation tools to streamline accounting and reporting tasks.

Qualifications and general competencies:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

·         1-3 years of experience in accounting, finance, or financial analysis.

·         Basic knowledge of accounting principles, financial analysis, and reporting standards.

·         Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.

·         Ability to perform financial reconciliations and basic financial modeling.

·         Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey financial information clearly to stakeholders.

·         Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.

·         Ability to work independently and collaborate with teams.

·         Good problem-solving and analytical skills to support financial decision-making.

·         Basic understanding of investment valuation and financial statement analysis is a plus.

·         Partial or full pursuit of SOCPA, CPA, ACCA, CMA, or CFA certification is preferred but not required.

Working Conditions:

The Accounting & Financial Analyst will work in a structured and fast-paced environment, handling both accounting and financial analysis responsibilities. The role may require extended hours during peak financial periods, such as audits, budget cycles, and reporting deadlines.