ACCOUNTANT

Job Purpose

The Accountant will be responsible for the organization’s accounting operations, including financial reporting, client and trust accounting, billing and collections, payroll, accounts payable, taxation, statutory compliance and audit support. The role requires a high level of integrity, accuracy and discretion.

Key Duties

• Manage client and trust accounts in accordance with applicable statutory, regulatory and professional requirements.

• Reconcile client ledgers, retainer balances, trust accounts, bank accounts and general-ledger accounts.

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, including profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets and cash-flow reports.

• Monitor cash flow, analyse financial performance and provide practical financial information to senior management.

• Manage client billing, time-recording information, expense allocations, fee notes and invoices.

• Monitor accounts receivable, follow up on outstanding balances and coordinate collections and disbursements.

• Prepare and submit VAT, PAYE, Health Surcharge, NIB contributions and other statutory payments within the required deadlines.

• Process monthly payroll and maintain accurate payroll records for professional, administrative and support employees.

• Manage accounts payable, supplier invoices, operational expenses, utilities and approved payments.

• Maintain complete and accurate accounting records and supporting documentation.

• Support annual budgeting, financial forecasting, cost control and expenditure monitoring.

• Liaise with external auditors and prepare schedules and supporting records for annual audits.

• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling client funds, payroll information and organizational financial records.

• Ensure all accounting activities comply with the applicable laws and regulatory requirements of Trinidad and Tobago.

Education and Experience

• Full ACCA qualification is required.

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline would be an asset.

• A minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience is required.

• Demonstrated accounting experience within a professional-services environment is required.

• Experience working within a corporate legal department would be an asset.

• Strong working knowledge of Trinidad and Tobago taxation and statutory requirements, including VAT, PAYE, Health Surcharge and NIB.

• Knowledge of client trust accounting and the financial controls applicable to professional or legal practices would be an asset.

• Experience preparing complete financial statements, statutory submissions, payroll and account reconciliations is required.

• The successful candidate must be able to provide a valid Police Certificate of Character as part of the pre-employment process.

Skills

• High ethical standards, integrity and professional discretion.

• Strong financial reporting, account-reconciliation and analytical skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls and statutory compliance.

• Proficiency in QuickBooks or comparable accounting software.

• Experience using legal-practice management software, including Clio, would be an asset.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and competence in Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory and operational deadlines.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate professionally with senior management, auditors, financial institutions, suppliers and clients.