Senior Accountant – Logistics Industry

Location: Lusaka

Employment: Type: Full-time

Experience Required: 7+ years

Qualifications: Bachelor of Finance and Accounting or greater

Department: Finance & Accounting

About Us

We are a fast-growing logistics and supply chain organization dedicated to delivering reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions for our clients. We are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join our team and play a key role in strengthening our financial operations.

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant will oversee day-to-day accounting activities, ensure accurate financial reporting, and support strategic financial planning. This role requires a seasoned professional with deep knowledge of accounting principles and hands-on experience within the logistics, transportation, or supply chain sector.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger Management

• Oversee the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger across all business units.
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by junior accountants.
• Maintain chart of accounts and ensure consistency across cost centers and departments.
• Reconcile sub-ledgers to the general ledger on a monthly basis.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in account balances promptly.

Month-End and Year-End Closing

• Lead the full month-end closing process, ensuring all financial activities are recorded accurately and on time.
• Prepare monthly accruals, amortizations, and adjustments.
• Develop and maintain the closing calendar; coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Analyze variances between budgeted and actual results, providing detailed explanations.
• Support annual financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP/IFRS.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare consolidated financial reports, including P&L statements, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide strategic recommendations based on financial performance indicators.
• Create detailed cost analyses related to logistics operations (fuel, freight, warehousing, labor, etc.).
• Present financial insights to senior management and participate in strategic planning discussions.

Accounts Payable Oversight

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, purchase orders, and payment runs.
• Review freight invoices, demurrage charges, and logistics-related billing for accuracy.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve outstanding issues.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate terms when necessary.
• Implement controls to minimize duplicate, fraudulent, or unauthorized transactions.

Accounts Receivable Oversight

• Monitor customer billing cycles, ensuring timely invoicing for freight, warehousing, customs clearance, and other services.
• Oversee credit control activities and assess customer credit risk.
• Track aging reports and lead collection strategies for overdue accounts.
• Resolve billing disputes in coordination with operations and sales teams.
• Recommend credit limits and payment terms based on financial risk.

Cash Flow, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare weekly and monthly cash flow reports, highlighting key inflows and outflows.
• Develop annual budgets in collaboration with departmental leaders.
• Update rolling forecasts based on operational changes and financial performance.
• Monitor working capital requirements and recommend optimization strategies.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities within logistics operations.

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Standards

• Ensure compliance with corporate tax, VAT, customs-related taxes, and local regulations.
• Prepare and file periodic tax returns, in collaboration with external tax advisors when needed.
• Maintain documentation to support audits and tax filings.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes affecting logistics and supply chain operations.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal control systems across the finance function.
• Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure compliance with accounting policies.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements to improve accuracy and speed.
• Update accounting policies and procedures as required.

Audit Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documents.
• Address auditor inquiries and implement recommended improvements.
• Ensure all audit requirements are met within established timelines.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor, train, and support junior accountants and accounting assistants.
• Delegate tasks effectively while ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Collaborate closely with operations, procurement, logistics, and management teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and process excellence.