Manager Financial Accounting

About the Role

An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced and technically proficient accounting professional to join the finance team of a premier financial services company located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

This key managerial position suits a qualified accountant with solid technical expertise developed through roles in audit, professional services, banking, or complex corporate finance environments who is eager to expand their commercial acumen and leadership skills.

Working closely alongside the Financial Controller and senior finance leaders, you will play a pivotal part in financial control, month-end closing, management reporting, technical accounting, and audit processes, while also engaging with top-level management and governance reporting.

This role presents a distinctive path for ambitious finance professionals aiming for senior finance leadership positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee month-end, quarterly, half-year, and year-end accounting activities, including preparation and review.
• Prepare and analyze monthly management reports and financial data.
• Examine Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss variances and investigate unusual or irregular transactions.
• Review general ledger and Balance Sheet reconciliations ensuring resolution of discrepancies.
• Evaluate journals, accruals, and month-end accounting entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Support compilation of half-yearly and annual financial statements.
• Supervise and assist the Accounts Payable processes.
• Coordinate and provide support for both internal and external audit engagements.
• Research and contribute to complex technical accounting issues and the treatment of novel transactions.
• Assist with regulatory reporting obligations.
• Participate in the annual budgeting, planning exercises, business case development, and other finance projects.
• Assist with senior management, Risk Committee, and Board-level financial reporting.
• Coach and mentor junior finance staff members to develop their skills.

Candidate Profile

• Holds a tertiary degree in Accounting, Commerce, or a related field.
• CPA or CA certified.
• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in financial accounting.
• Experience with a Big Four firm or leading audit practice is highly valued.
• Skilled in interpreting and applying accounting standards.
• Proficient in general ledger accounting, reconciliations, journals, and month-end procedures.
• Able to handle external audit processes and respond effectively to technical accounting questions.
• Experience in banking or financial services sector is advantageous.
• Commercial accounting experience following professional services is a plus.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal.
• Exhibits leadership qualities with the ability to coach and develop team members.
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and challenging accounting treatments when necessary.

Applicants working in major banking, financial services, or complex corporate finance environments who can demonstrate strong technical accounting capabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Career Progression

This role offers far more than traditional financial accounting duties.

You will closely collaborate with senior finance leaders and gradually assume increased responsibility over financial control and reporting activities while gaining exposure to senior management and governance forums, including Board and Risk Committee reports.

The organization focuses heavily on professional growth and nurturing future leaders, making this role an excellent springboard for advancement to positions such as Financial Controller, Head of Finance, or other senior finance leadership roles.

Employment Details

This position is ideal for CPA/CA qualified accountants with audit backgrounds seeking to move further into commercial finance or financial services accountants looking to take on higher responsibility and leadership roles.

A competitive salary package will be offered and negotiated based on the candidate's experience.