Senior Accounts Associate

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

Entity: Genser Energy Côte d’Ivoire SA (GECS)
Position: Senior Accounts Associate

Division / Department: Finance (FIN) / Financial Compliance & Reporting (FC&R)  

Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa) 

Report Directly to: Finance Compliance & Reporting (FC&R) Manager

 

 

OBJECTIVE: The Senior Accounting Associate will be responsible for ensuring overall integrity, accuracy, and statutory compliance of the company's accounting records, in accordance with SYSCOHADA. This role also involves ensuring compliance with taxes (CGI) and social regulations (CNPS/CMU), managing tax-related risks, and leading the development and enforcement of internal controls to safeguard the company’s financial integrity. Key responsibilities include supervising the accounting team, coordinating statutory audits with auditors, and ensuring timely, compliant statutory filings.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

ACCOUNTING

• Organize, supervise, and review journal entries, ledgers, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and strict compliance with the SYSCOHADA chart of accounts and OHADA accounting principles
• Supervise the accounting team and ensure accurate recording of all transactions, including intercompany transactions, in FCFA (XOF) as the statutory reporting currency
• Lead the month-end and year-end closing process, including provisions, accruals, and depreciation schedules
•  Prepare the statutory financial statements and notes for approval by management and, where required by external auditors
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to internal management, the parent company (Group reporting), and external stakeholders
• Lead the preparation for, and coordination of, statutory audits performed by external auditors, and any internal or Group audits
•  Design, implement, and monitor procedures over accounting.
  

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Supervise, train, and evaluate the team (associates and analysts), ensuring adherence to internal procedures and SYSCOHADA standards
• Organize tasks distribution and ensure segregation of duties
• Ensure the team's continuous professional development on SYSCOHADA updates and Ivorian tax law changes.

 

RESEARCH & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Research complex accounting treatments under SYSCOHADA and provide guidance to management and the finance team.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.

 

 

DOCUMENTATION & RECORDS RETENTION

• Maintain accounting books, supporting vouchers, and statutory registers in accordance with OHADA requirements (minimum 10-year retention).
•   Ensure documentation complies with financial audit, tax, and labor inspection standards.

 

 

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is mandatory and four years’ experience in the relevant role, including two years’ experience in a supervisory role. A BTS or equivalent qualification with eight years’ experience in the relevant role, including four years in a supervisory role.
•  A recognized accounting qualification such as DECOFI, DESCOGEF is a plus
• Prior multicultural / multinational work experience is required
•   Fluency in French and proficiency in English are mandatory.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in a similar role (accounting, audit, or financial reporting), including at least 3 years in a supervisory or chief accountant capacity, preferably in the Oil & Gas industry
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and AI (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot).
• Proficiency with financial/ERP software (e.g., SAP, Sage, or equivalent accounting software).
• Strong understanding of accounting principles (OHADA and IFRS) , tax regulations, and internal control frameworks.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

• Propose training and development program for staff in line with technical and business needs.
• Carry out performance appraisals and development plans with subordinate staff.
• Coordinate the rotational schedule (on and off duty) of subordinate staff.

 

 

KEY SKILLS:

• Strategic Vision: Drives projects that improve accounting and reporting efficiency through robust processes and procedures.
• Regulatory Rigor: Maintains up-to-date, hands-on knowledge of OHADA/IFRS, tax, and labor regulatory changes affecting the company.
•  Strong Leadership: Capable of supervising an accounting team and addressing technical, financial, and HR challenges in a dynamic environment.
•  Adaptability: Willing to adjust work practices to achieve compliant and timely outcomes.
•  Effective Communication: Communicates clearly with management and external stakeholders, strong listener and negotiator.
• Diligent Work Ethic: Manages multiple statutory deadlines and ensures timely, accurate delivery of results.
• Commitment to Development: Takes responsibility for personal growth and the training of team members.
•  Efficiency Improvement: Leverages accounting technology and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce compliance risk.
• Organizational Skills: Strong planning and time-management abilities, with the capacity to coordinate closing, audit, and filing calendars across departments.