Junior Accountant at Semicolon Village Limited

Semicolon is a social enterprise creating employment and economic opportunities by training software engineers and techpreneurs. Technology has the power to transform entire industries and the lives of everyday Nigerians. However, companies and entrepreneurs seeking to develop innovative solutions face the same issue: they struggle to find employees with the skills required to design and develop their technology. Across industries, from finance to agriculture to education, companies are searching for Nigerians skilled in software engineering, design, and project management, and too often are not able to find what they need. Semicolon is addressing this gap and building a thriving technology sector in Nigeria by developing talent and fostering innovation. 

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Junior Accountant

Location: Yaba, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Finance Manager

Scope

• The Junior Accountant is a critical member of Semicolon’s team, reporting directly to the Finance Manager.
• As a Junior Accountant, you will perform accounts receivable and accounts payable functions.
• Under the supervision of a Finance Manager, you will assist in the preparation and submission of taxes and other financial reports. You must be able to hit the ground running, work within a team environment and take the initiative when needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Daily Posting and process of all Natives` payments on QuickBooks to ensure on-time update of their accounts.
• Track and ensure payment of all issued invoices and account receivables from Natives, Alumni, and Self-funding Students.
• Prepare and issue invoices for all Semicolon clients including the students and corporate clients.
• Prepare bank reconciliation statements on a monthly basis and also prepare other reconciliations as may be required.
• Update and Maintain the Fixed Asset Register and computation of the Fixed Asset Schedule.
• Updating and Spooling of Statement of account of students from Quickbooks and sending the same to all students every month-end and following up on their payments.
• Preparation and keeping of accounting records of Semicolon Ventures and reporting to the Head of Finance
• Conduct weekly preparation of payment schedules as may be required and submit the same for verification and payment approval.
• Process PAYE, Pension, VAT remittances, and collect receipt of payment.
• Update all assigned financial data in a timely manner
• Support the finance manager with other accounting tasks and projects
• Take up other tasks as may be assigned.

Job Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma in Accounting, Finance, or similar area of study from a reputable institution.
• 2-3 years of experience in an accounting role, such as Junior Accountant
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations
• Strong understanding of accounting and financial reporting principles and practices
• Experience with relevant accounting software (e.g Sage and Quick Books)
• Good working skills with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining financial records and following company guidelines and procedures
• Demonstrated experience working in a complex or pioneering environment and in facilitating change.
• Ability to analyze information in an objective and nonbiased manner
• Excellent project management and time management skills
• Comfortable handling and storing confidential financial information

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Additional qualifications (ATS, ACA) are a significant advantage
• Advanced competency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Prior experience working with accounts payable and accounts receivable

Expectations on how you will be Working
This will include, but will not be limited to the following areas:

Operational Excellence

• Support the finance manager to ensure all outputs from the accounting department meet Semicolon’s high standards of delivery.
• Support the finance manager in contributing to a learning culture of sharing best accounting practices and supporting all-round organizational growth
• Take responsibility for your own continuous professional development by proactively identifying and participating in formal/informal learning opportunities
• Support the finance manager in carrying out continuous process improvement by evaluating ongoing processes to identify critical areas for improvement/modification

Strategic Capability:

• As a member of the finance department, you are expected to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to carry out your assignments and drive continuous improvement in the finance function.
• You are expected to have a clear focus on Semicolon’s goals, amid competing demands, and a capacity to prioritize effectively.

Driving for Results:

• You are expected to exhibit a results-driven approach with the confidence and resilience to take ownership and responsibility across various tasks within the accounting department.
• Take a proactive approach, ask challenging questions and pursue excellence in a demanding environment.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment

Building Relationships and Using Influence:

• Good communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Effective influencing, negotiating, and relationship-building skills

Personal Attributes:

• Strong alignment with Semicolon’s core values.
• Highly professional, organized, and efficient; able to prioritize work independently
• An innovative and enterprising approach that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems.
• Analytical and detail-oriented
• Observant and able to remain focused on tasks for a long period of time.
• Integrity and honesty.

Application Closing Date
30th April, 2023.