Senior Accountant – UGANDA

Finance & Accounting Dept · Kampala, Kampala

About Vanguard Economics

Vanguard Economics Ltd, founded in 2015 in Kigali, is as an advisory and research firm dedicated to delivering high-quality socio-economic and strategic research services tailored to the Rwandan/African context. Based on the notion that “social change is not a project that one group of people carries out for the benefit of another”, our main strategic goal is to build the next generation of Rwandan researchers in our areas of expertise. Our clients include Governments, private firms, multilateral institutions, foundations, and NGOs. Read more about us: Here

About the Position

The Senior Accountant will manage and oversee the financial operations in Uganda. Main duties will include, but are not, limited to maintaining accurate financial records, preparing and analyzing financial reports, ensuring compliance with Uganda regulatory standards. This role will play a critical role in overseeing the financial aspects of grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the financial health of the company in Uganda.
• Be responsible for day-to-day finance and accounts operations.
• Provide financial reports and interpret financial information to the senior management team while recommending further courses of action.
• Keeping abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation in Uganda.
• Develop mechanism for monitoring and controlling budget utilization as well as evaluating the cost-reduction opportunities.
• Ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet ongoing operational requirements.
• Optimize payment orders in line with budget.
• Manage company’s financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems and ensure all reports are sent to the senior management team in a timely manner.
• Perform full set of accounts and ensure timely closing of accounts.
• Develop external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. auditors, bankers and statutory Institutions.
• Oversee operations of the finance department, set goals and objectives, and design a framework for these to be met.
• Make sure all Finance data has been entered into our accounting system in a timely manner.
• Ensure timely preparation all monthly and quarterly returns and other taxes.
• Ensure the timely preparation of the monthly payroll in compliance with all statutory taxes as per Ugandan law.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or ACCA certification preferred.
• 5 years of experience in accounting or financial management roles, with demonstrated proficiency in financial reporting and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and taxation laws in Uganda.
• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks online or Desktop) and MS Office suite, with advanced skills in Excel for financial analysis.

Preferred Skills

• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Ability work effectively using agile project management framework.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to details.
• Creative and innovative mindset.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to navigate diverse business environments.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing situations.
• The ability to think strategically.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Leadership skills with experience in team management and development.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Experience with managing grant-funded projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

What We Offer

• Work with talented, diverse and motivated team members.
• Competitive salary and benefits package based on the labour market and candidate’s experience.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A chance to make a significant impact on social economics issues within the African continent.