Financial Accountant at The People Practice

• Our client, one of Nigeria’s major conglomerates, is looking to hire a Financial Accountant, who will be responsible for managing the Group’s day-to-day accounting activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial records, reconciliations, and management accounts. The role provides technical depth in accounting and supports the Head of Financial Control in delivering high-quality financial reporting, analysis, and oversight.
• In addition to technical accounting responsibilities, the role provides opportunities to contribute to variance analysis and performance reporting, enabling the development of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) skills and broader finance business partnering capabilities.
• The Financial Accountant also works closely with HGL departments and portfolio companies to ensure consistent accounting practices, compliance with IFRS, and effective financial support.

Responsibilities

Accounting & Reporting

• Manage general ledger postings and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, including supporting schedules and variance analysis.
• Contribute to variance analysis and performance reporting, developing FP&A skills and exposure to broader business partnering.
• Assist in the preparation of statutory financial statements in line with IFRS.
• Support the audit process, preparing audit schedules and responding to auditor queries.
• Ensure integrity of financial data, identifying and correcting errors promptly.

Transaction & Compliance Management

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage the fixed asset register, including additions, disposals, tagging, and depreciation.
• Provide accurate financial schedules and reconciliations (e.g., VAT, WHT, PAYE) to support tax filings, liaising with the Tax & Regulatory Officer and Risk Manager as required.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and DOA (Delegation of Authority).

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with HGL departments to provide accounting support, including budget tracking and cost monitoring.
• Work with portfolio company finance teams to validate submissions, ensure accuracy, and align reporting standards.
• Provide financial data and insights to support decision-making, particularly for management reviews and board reporting.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and project teams as required.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting and reporting processes.
• Contribute to ERP and financial systems enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Stay abreast of updates to IFRS and relevant regulatory changes, applying them to the Group’s reporting.
• Perform any duties as directed by the Head Financial Control and the CFO 

Qualifications

• First degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related discipline.
• Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) is desirable.
• Minimum of 4–7 years’ relevant finance experience, ideally including exposure to group or consolidated reporting
• Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., SAGE, SAP) and strong Excel skills.
• Strong experience with general ledger, reconciliations, and preparation of management accounts.
• Understanding of tax treatments in accounting, with ability to provide accurate schedules to support filings.

Must have skills

• Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines.
• Collaborative, with proven ability to work as part of a team and influence stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• able to engage effectively with colleagues across functions and portfolio companies.
• Exposure to variance analysis, budgeting, or forecasting, with willingness to develop FP&A skills further.
• Proactive and adaptable, able to anticipate issues and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to problem-solve and provide practical solutions.
• Solid technical accounting knowledge and application of IFRS.