Careers

Job Description

The Accountant is responsible for managing the Society's accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, sound accounting policies, practices and internal controls compliant with legislation and industry-related requirements.

The incumbent provides advice and direction to the Board of Directors and the General Manager on accounting and other related matters, as necessary.

Key duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Provides leadership, direction and day-to-day management for all aspects of the accounting operations.
• Responsible for completing and maintaining general ledgers, reconciliations, budgets and financial reports. Additional responsibilities include monthly analysis of general ledger accounts, revenue and expense analysis and monthly financial statements.
• Ensures accurate, timely and consistent information is delivered to the Board of Directors and management
• Prepares or assists with regulatory reporting.
• Maintains working knowledge of organisational policies and procedures, current and/or pending industry regulations, legislation and accounting standards.
• Ensures appropriate business and financial controls are in place and compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Standards, best practices, compliance and regulatory standards.
• Ensures compliance with internal control policies, guidelines and procedures, including strategic planning and other accounting processes.
• Applies sustained effort to ensure continuous improvement in both the effectiveness and efficiency of financial and accounting processes.
• Manage and account for the Society's Fixed Assets.
• Develop and implement revenue collection and debt collection systems.
• Ensure adequate safeguards to protect Society and its assets from fraud and misuse.
• Work with the Society's Internal Audit Department and external auditors, including auditors from state agencies, to ensure the assets and accounts of the organisation are appropriately managed.
• Reviews and responds to issues identified in audits and regulatory reports..
• Maintains strict confidentiality on all matters.
• Maintains joint custody of Treasury with the General Manager.
• Liaises with the Information Technology Software provides and ensures the system is backed up daily.
• Ensures Supervision of the Accounts Staff.
• Prepares monthly Staff Salaries and ensures that the statutory and other deductions are remitted to the respective offices by the stipulated dates.
• Perform other related duties as required by the job function.

Supervisory Functions

• Establishes the scope of authority, schedule and responsibilities for direct reports.
• Engages with direct reports and peers to align goals with organisational goals and objectives, establish performance metrics, provide feedback and develop talent.
• Ensure a safe and harmonious work environment by treating with staff issues and resource requirements in a consistent and timely manner.
• Comply with the HSE policy and procedures of the Society and cooperate with workplace health and safety measures and initiatives.
• Ensure risk management activities for areas of responsibility are implemented, regularly monitored and maintained, including the work areas of subordinates.

Qualifications

• ACCA Level III with discipline-related experience.
• A Minimum of five years experience with increasing responsibility, of which 3+ years must be at the management level in financial institution.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting will be an asset
• A Degree/Diploma in Credit Union Management will be an asset.
• Power User in Emortelle accounting software.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP, IFRS 9 and FIU regulations.
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills with focused attention to detail.

Position Objective

To manage the day-to-day operations of the Tobago Branch Office in keeping with the Society's policies and guidelines. Responsible for various functions of the branch office, including overseeing the approval of loans and lines of credit, marketing, building a rapport with the community to attract business, assisting with member relations and ensuring that the branch meets its objectives.

Job Summary

The Tobago Operations Co-ordinator:

1. Is responsible for the efficient operations of the Tobago Branch Office, with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the branch. This includes the direct supervision of all Member Service Representatives and Cashiers.
2. Ensures compliance with internal control policies, guidelines and procedures for activities including accounting and finance activities.
3. Implements marketing strategies to grow the Tobago Branch portfolio aligned with the Society's business plan to achieve desired profitability targets and service standards.
4. Markets the Society, cross-selling its products and services including fixed deposits and other financial products.
5. Conducts interviews with applicants to determine financial eligibility and feasibility of granting loans, which shall be approved in a timely manner.
6. Analyses business plans/financial statements/strategic plans to appropriately assess risk for the financing of members' business start-up, expansion or growth plans.
7. Assists members with developing business plans and cash flow statements when seeking financing for business start-up; expansion and growth plans.
8. Is required to actively manage the loan portfolio to minimise indebtedness and ensure an efficient debt recovery process.
9. Verifies the cashier's daily transactions.
10. Ensures compliance with Co-operative Societies Act Chapter 81:03 and Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago Act Chapter 72:01.
11. Completes monthly and ad hoc reports to be submitted to the General Manager/Board of Directors.
12. Is a key holder and ensures office is opened, secured and locked up and the alarm set on a daily basis.
13. Has signing authority, overrides, end of day Cashier activities, and Treasury/Vault Duties.
14. Maintains strict confidentiality on all matters.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

1. Degree in Credit Union Management/Finance/Accounting or a suitable combination of training and experience.
2. A minimum of three (3) years experience working in a similar position in a Credit Union or other financial institution.
3. Training in the Emortelle operating system.
4. Credit Management Training.
5. Diploma in Marketing will be an asset.
6. Supervisory Management Training.

Required Competencies

1. Ability to work effectively with minimum supervision.
2. Strong working knowledge of Emortelle operating system
3. Must be a team player.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Effective planning and organizing skills.
6. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with high attention to detail.
7. Well-developed supervisory skills as evidenced by functioning in a similar position.