Accountant - Bakery Sector

About the Role and Company

An established bakery based in Kingston, Jamaica, specializing in the production and supply of baked goods, is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Accountant to join its team. The company emphasizes quality, operational efficiency, and excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements within required deadlines.
• Analyze financial results and provide insights to aid management decision-making.
• Contribute to budget preparation and monitor financial performance against approved budgets.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor the accounting team, ensuring they have necessary skills and resources.
• Allocate work efficiently and ensure deliverables meet quality and deadline standards.
• Manage recruitment, training, and performance assessments of accounting personnel.
• Oversee payroll preparation to ensure timeliness and accuracy, including statutory deductions and employee payments.
• Ensure timely submission of all payroll-related statutory filings and remittances.
• Maintain proper tax registration with relevant authorities and keep a tax compliance calendar.
• Prepare and review tax returns, ensuring compliance and timely submission.
• Develop and monitor internal controls protecting financial data integrity across cash, inventory, purchasing, receivables, and payables.
• Identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate statutory and financial audits, preparing necessary documentation and responding to audit inquiries.
• Liaise with external auditors, banks, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Manage annual return filings and other corporate compliance requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Currently working towards ACCA Level III or holds a master’s degree with a focus on Accounting.
• A minimum of seven years' professional experience in accounting.
• At least three years of experience in a supervisory role within accounting.
• Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, international accounting standards, and relevant statutory regulations.
• Proficient with accounting software applications.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Experience in bakery, food production, manufacturing, retail, or distribution sectors is beneficial.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong accounting, analytical, and research capabilities.
• Effective leadership and aptitude for developing team members.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Well-developed organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, along with interpersonal skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently, and perform under pressure.
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours when necessary.