Accounting Officer at Stella Maris High School

Job Summary

The Accounting Officer is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing financial transactions, supporting budgeting and financial reporting, managing receivables and payables, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and statutory regulations. The successful candidate will contribute to the efficient financial operations of the school while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Transactions

• Record daily financial transactions accurately in the school's accounting system.
• Prepare and process payment vouchers, receipts, invoices, and journal entries.
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly authorised and supported by relevant documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of all income and expenditure.

Accounts Receivable

• Monitor and manage student tuition and other fee collections.
• Prepare and issue invoices, receipts, and account statements.
• Follow up on outstanding school fees and other receivables professionally and promptly.
• Reconcile student accounts and investigate discrepancies.

Accounts Payable

• Process supplier invoices and staff reimbursement claims.
• Prepare payment schedules and ensure timely settlement of approved obligations.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve outstanding issues.
• Maintain accurate records of creditors and payment histories.

Bank & Cash Management

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Monitor cash flow and maintain petty cash records.
• Prepare cash summaries and reconcile cash balances.
• Ensure secure handling of cash and banking transactions.

Payroll Support

• Assist in preparing payroll information and verifying payroll data.
• Maintain records relating to salaries, allowances, deductions, and statutory remittances.
• Ensure payroll documentation is complete and accurate.

Budgeting & Financial Reporting

• Assist in preparing annual budgets and periodic financial forecasts.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Analyse financial data and provide management with relevant insights.
• Monitor departmental expenditure against approved budgets.

Financial Compliance

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal financial policies, and applicable Nigerian tax regulations.
• Assist in preparing statutory returns and regulatory reports.
• Support internal and external audit exercises.
• Maintain accurate documentation for audit purposes.

Asset & Inventory Management

• Maintain the school's fixed asset register.
• Record acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation of assets.
• Participate in periodic inventory verification and asset audits.

Financial Records Management

• Maintain accurate electronic and physical accounting records.
• Ensure proper filing and archiving of financial documents.
• Safeguard confidential financial information.

Administrative Support

• Assist with procurement documentation and financial approvals where required.
• Support the Finance Manager in implementing financial policies and internal controls.
• Perform other accounting and finance duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Banking and Finance, or a related discipline.

Professional Certifications (Preferred)

• Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
• Relevant financial management certifications are an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years' relevant accounting or finance experience.
• Previous experience working in a school or educational institution is an added advantage.
• Experience using accounting software such as Sage, QuickBooks, Tally, Zoho Books, or similar financial systems.

Technical Competencies

• Financial accounting and bookkeeping
• Bank reconciliation
• Accounts payable and receivable management
• Payroll support
• Budget preparation and monitoring
• Financial reporting
• Tax compliance and statutory remittances
• Fixed asset management
• Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
• Accounting software proficiency

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Teamwork and collaboration