Branch Accountant

Roles and responsibilities

1. Financial Record Keeping

• Bookkeeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for the branch, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger entries.
• Transaction Recording: Record daily financial transactions such as sales, purchases, expenses, and bank transactions.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile bank accounts, cash balances, and petty cash regularly to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies.
• Invoice Management: Process and track invoices for both customers and vendors, ensuring timely payments and collections.

2. Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Monthly and Quarterly Reports: Prepare regular financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for branch management.
• Budget Monitoring: Track and monitor the branch’s budget, analyzing variances between actual spending and budgeted amounts. Provide reports and recommendations to branch management to keep expenses under control.
• Variance Analysis: Conduct analyses of financial performance, identifying areas of concern or opportunities for cost savings, and communicate findings to senior management.
• Internal Reporting: Provide branch managers with detailed financial reports and performance metrics to assist in decision-making.

3. Compliance and Auditing

• Tax Compliance: Ensure that the branch adheres to local, state, and federal tax regulations, including the preparation of tax filings and reporting requirements.
• Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits, providing requested documents and explanations for financial discrepancies or transactions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all financial activities at the branch comply with company policies, accounting standards (e.g., GAAP or IFRS), and relevant financial regulations.
• Internal Controls: Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard the branch’s assets and ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial records.

4. Accounts Payable and Receivable Management

• Accounts Payable: Oversee the payment process for bills, vendors, and suppliers. Ensure that payments are made on time and accurately recorded.
• Accounts Receivable: Monitor and track outstanding invoices, follow up with customers to ensure timely payments, and address any collection issues.
• Cash Flow Management: Ensure the branch has sufficient liquidity by monitoring cash flow and advising branch management on cash management strategies.

Desired candidate profile

• Accounting Expertise: A strong understanding of accounting principles (such as GAAP or IFRS), financial regulations, and tax laws. Knowledge of financial reporting and analysis.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain accuracy in financial records and identify discrepancies or errors in data entry, reconciliations, or reports.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations for improving financial performance.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple financial tasks, especially when working to deadlines (e.g., month-end reporting, tax filings).
• Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve issues related to discrepancies in financial records, unpaid invoices, or financial reporting.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with both financial and non-financial stakeholders, translating complex financial information into understandable terms.
• Proficiency with Accounting Software: Experience with accounting systems such as QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, or other similar platforms. Knowledge of Excel is often essential for creating reports and analyzing financial data.
• Confidentiality: Handling sensitive financial data with the utmost confidentiality and integrity, ensuring privacy is maintained at all times.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to maintain an organized approach to managing financial records, reports, and documentation.