Chief Accountant

CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Department: Finance

Reporting to: Head of Finance

Number of positions: 1

Job summary

To manage and control the day-to-day accounting operations of the bank, ensuring accurate financial records, timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and full compliance with Rwandan laws, tax regulations, and National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) requirements, while supporting the Head of Finance in strategic financial management.

I. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS/IFRS for SMEs and internal reporting requirements.

• Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date books of accounts and ensure proper documentation of all financial transactions.

• Oversee general ledger management, bank reconciliations, cash and mobile money reconciliations.

• Ensure accurate accounting for loan disbursements, repayments, interest accruals, penalties, provisions, write-offs, and recoveries.

• Prepare regulatory and statutory financial reports as required by the National Bank of Rwanda and other regulatory authorities.

• Ensure full compliance with Rwanda tax laws (PAYE, VAT, Withholding Tax, and Corporate Income Tax) and timely submission of all tax returns.

• Monitor budget performance and prepare variance analysis with recommendations for management.

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls over financial operations and ensure segregation of duties.

• Coordinate internal and external audits and prepare audit schedules; follow up on audit recommendations.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting staff and ensure their continuous professional development.

• Ensure proper maintenance of the fixed assets register and periodic physical verification of assets.

• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring timely payments and collections.

• Support treasury operations including daily liquidity monitoring and bank relationship management.

• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

II. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Possessing CPA qualificationis an added value.

• Strong knowledge of IFRS/IFRS for SMEs and financial institution accounting.

• Minimum 3 years relevant working experience in accounting field.

• Hands-on experience in statutory audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.

• Experience working with accounting software and core banking systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• High level of integrity, ethics, and confidentiality.

• Excellent leadership, supervisory, and communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.

• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and financial reporting tools.