Director of Accounts at the Kwara State Government

The Kwara State Government, in its efforts to increase and diversify its revenue base for financial freedom and bolstered efficacy in governance, recently passed the Kwara State Revenue Administration Law, 2015 (Law No.6 of 2015).

Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KS-IRS), as established by this Law, is the sole entity responsible for the effective and efficient administration of tax and related matters on behalf of the Kwara State Government. The
KS-IRS Mandate:

• To maintain the integrity of the tax laws and processes by eliminating all instances of multiple taxation;
• To assist the State Government to attain specific economic and social policies, systems and targets; and
• To stimulate voluntary compliance so as to advance maximum representation of the populace in executive decision making.

In keeping with the mandate for the KS-IRS, the kwara State Government is seeking individual with uncommon dedication who are high-achieving, highly dynamic and innovative with proven target driven orientation to fill the underlisted position in the newly established KS-IRS:

Job Title: Director of Accounts

Start Date: August 2015
Location: Kwara
Reporting To: Executive Chairperson
Direct Reports: 8 HQ Managers & Officer; 21 Field Operatives
Contract Term: 4 Years (Renewable)
 
Job Description

• Director of Accounts is responsible for general accounting and financial reporting functions.
• S/He is responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that will ensure that all financial reporting is prepared in compliance with all financial policies, SEC requirements and IPSAS.
• The Director will support KS-IRS's financial objectives by providing financial analyses and recommendations for higher efficiency that cuts across the entire organization.

Specific Tasks
Specific tasks are divided into the following categories and include:

• Oversee the general accounting function, which includes inter-company accounting, cash management/reconciliation, financial reporting, and balance sheet;
• Accountable for ensuring that policies and procedures (internal controls) are in place to provide reasonable assurance that the KS-IRS assets are protected;
• Involvement in due diligence and other activities surrounding acquisitions/dispositions;
• Review monthly/quarterly account reconciliations and other documents to ensure compliance with SEC and IPSAS, and supervise the completion of Federal and State reporting requirements;
• Ensure that the automated systems continue to operate as required;
• Oversee and coordinate work relating to both internal and external audits in the periodic review of the company financial records, and implementation of agreed upon recommendations, related to areas of financial management and from the audit findings;
• Ensures that the accounting department is staffed with qualified financial personnel capable of meeting the objectives and responsibilities, noted above. Responsible for continued development of these associates;
• Will have direct management responsibility of the following: General Accountants, Credit Manager & Accounts Payable/Billing Supervisor;
• Develop accounting organizational strategies by contributing accounting and financial information, analysis, and recommendations to strategic thinking and direction;
• Establish accounting operational strategies and design systems by evaluating trends, establish critical measurements, resolve problems and implement change;
• Provide financial projections by coordinating budget/forecast preparation, collecting, analyzing, and consolidating financial information; advising departments on the collection and analysis of data.

Education

• MBA/MA/MSc that combined training in Economics, Finance, Human Resources Management, Organizational Behavior, and Law;
• Certified Accountant (CA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA); fellowship in at least one is mandatory;
• Formal managerial, leadership training with focus on stakeholder engagement and negotiations.

Professional Experience:

• 15 years
• 8 - 10 years of this experience must have been in an executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory capacity. Supervision must have included supervising staff performing professional work in the areas described above.
• Application of expertise in management accounting, financial accounting auditing and controls risk management, and business process review to manage a large and/or high value financial institution.
• Demonstrated ability to form, lead and develop high-performing teams; with ability to work collaboratively across departmental functions.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft systems, e.g., Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Strong project management, time management and organizational skills required. The ability to manage multiple priorities, take initiative, delegate responsibility, prioritize and ensure the delivery of on-time deliverables is key.
• Excellent knowledge of the international audit and financial standards, including IPSAS, IFRS, IIA.
• Clear understanding of both motivations and requirements of key players that will impact KS-IRS.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required, Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills
• High level of digital literacy and familiarity with database management systems
• Proven ability to work under pressure, ensure coherence and consistency, independently, and meet deadlines consistently;
• Sound knowledge of Government policy and practice impact on financial and contractual arrangements
• Stakeholder and cross-functional team management

Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and fiduciary duty.
• The incumbent will view and possess significant confidential information regarding all aspects of our finances. High levels of discretion, integrity and judgment are required.
• Keen analytic, organizational and problem solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Knowledge of the political environment and decision making factors, but courage to maintain objectivity and stay on track by managing up.
• Personal credibility and integrity.
• Self-confidence and respect for others, regardless of position, and willingness to work as a team member/leader.
• Ability to articulate positions concisely and quickly, in a manner that is useful and easily understood by all stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective leader in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Executive leadership and ability to see and handle all the sides of an issue or project.
• Strong and pragmatic business acumen with the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice and vice versa.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of the organization.

Remuneration
Successful candidate will enjoy attractive compensation packages commensurate with the role. This role also attracts performance based bonuses.

Application Closing Date
15th July, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Resume/CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected] Put the position you are applying for as the subject of the email.

Click Here to Download Job Description (PDF)

Note:

• Both External and Internal (members of the Kwara State Civil Service) parties are invited to apply.
• The Kwara State Government is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage absolutely all persons who believe they have the technical merit as well as deep understanding of the purpose and intent behind the creation of KS-IRS, and enjoy a challenge, to apply and be considered. Women are especially encouraged.