Job Summary -Chief Accountant / Auditor
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (with travel across Lebanon and other African countries)
The Chief Accountant / Auditor manages and oversees all accounting and financial reporting functions for our clients, ensuring compliance with best practices and the organizational policies implemented by SD Group. This role includes delivering the APA scope by setting client expectations, managing the client’s accounting team, implementing required changes, scheduling visits, providing training, and preparing financial statements. The role also involves providing strategic financial insights and maintaining high-quality consulting services across various projects and sites.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions for client entities and internal operations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and reliability of financial information.
- Develop, implement, and continuously enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks in line with best practices and SD Group standards.
- Plan, execute, and supervise internal audit and financial review engagements across multiple client projects and locations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, statutory regulations, tax requirements, and organizational policies.
- Evaluate financial processes, accounting systems, and control environments, recommending practical improvements to strengthen governance and operational efficiency.
- Provide financial, accounting, and audit advisory services to clients, supporting the setup and optimization of their financial management and reporting structures.
- Deliver clear financial insights, performance analysis, and executive summaries to support management decision-making.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow monitoring, and financial planning activities for both internal and client operations.
- Collaborate closely with clients and project teams to understand business needs, manage expectations, and ensure successful implementation of financial improvements.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting and audit team members, and provide training and knowledge transfer to client finance teams when required.
- Contribute to the development and standardization of SD Group financial, audit, and consulting methodologies across projects and regions.
Qualifications, Skills & Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional certification preferred).
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in accounting and auditing, including proven leadership and team management responsibilities.
- Strong practical knowledge of accounting principles, auditing standards, financial regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated experience managing audit engagements and delivering financial advisory or consulting services to clients.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills.
- Proficiency in accounting and auditing systems, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Flexibility to work across projects in Lebanon and African countries as required.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Fluency in English and French is mandatory.