Finance Specialist

The Senior Accountant supports the Finance Manager in overseeing and securing the company’s accounting and financial operations.

The position ensures the accuracy and reliability of accounting, tax and financial information, compliance with OHADA/SYCOHADA requirements, and the preparation of IFRS adjustments required for Group reporting.

The Senior Accountant acts as a key operational partner to the Finance Manager in financial closing, taxation, financial analysis, internal control, audit and continuous improvement of finance processes.

This job description defines the minimum requirements of the position. It is provided as a guideline and does not mean that the duties described below constitute an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties or additional instructions according to business needs.

Accounting & Dual Standards Compliance (SYCOHADA & IFRS)

• Oversee the general ledger and ensure the accuracy, completeness and proper classification of accounting entries.

• Ensure compliance with OHADA/SYCOHADA accounting requirements and Group accounting policies.

• Prepare and validate monthly, quarterly and annual closing activities for review by the Finance Manager.

• Prepare IFRS adjustments required for Group reporting and maintain IFRS-to-SYCOHADA reconciliation schedules.

• Perform and review balance sheet, intercompany and other key account reconciliations.

• Ensure that accounting balances are properly supported and documented.

Tax Accounting

• Prepare, review and monitor tax filings, including VAT, corporate income tax (CIT), withholding tax (WHT) and payroll-related taxes.

• Ensure compliance with statutory tax deadlines and local tax regulations.

• Identify tax risks and exposures and report them to the Finance Manager.

• Contribute to tax optimization opportunities while ensuring full compliance with applicable legislation.

• Prepare supporting documentation required for tax audits and interactions with tax authorities.

Financial Analysis, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Perform variance analysis between budget, forecast and actual results.

• Contribute to annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.

• Analyze costs, revenue streams, profitability and key financial indicators.

• Provide actionable financial insights and recommendations to support the Finance Manager’s decision-making.

• Contribute to cash-flow analysis and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.

Reporting & Audit

• Prepare periodic financial reports for management and Group reporting purposes.

• Prepare financial analyses and reporting materials in both French and English when required.

• Ensure that applicable IFRS reporting and disclosure requirements are properly addressed.

• Coordinate the preparation of documents and supporting evidence for internal and external audits.

• Monitor audit recommendations and support implementation of corrective actions under the Finance Manager’s supervision.

Internal Control & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to finance procedures, Group policies and delegated authority rules.

• Participate in identifying accounting, financial and tax risks.

• Contribute to strengthening internal controls and securing finance processes.

• Promptly escalate significant anomalies, control weaknesses or compliance risks to the Finance Manager.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff within the assigned scope.

• Review the quality of work performed and ensure deadlines are met.

• Share best practices and contribute to the development of team capabilities.

• Keep the Finance Manager informed of progress, challenges and matters requiring escalation or decision.

Collaboration with the Finance Manager

• Act as a key operational support to the Finance Manager on accounting, tax and reporting matters.

• Prepare analyses required for financial and business decisions.

• Support continuity and quality of accounting operations within the assigned scope.

• Participate in local, regional and Group finance projects.

• Perform any other finance-related duties assigned by the Finance Manager.

Education: University Degree

Experience: Minimum of 5 years

SpecificExperience:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in accounting, including proven experience in a senior accounting role.

• Proven expertise in tax accounting, financial closing, financial reporting and audit.

• Strong practical knowledge of SYCOHADA and working knowledge of IFRS.

TechnicalKnowledge:

• Deep knowledge of the SYCOHADA chart of accounts and reporting formats.
• Strong working knowledge of IFRS and ability to prepare conversion adjustments and IFRS-to-SYCOHADA reconciliations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems, particularly SAP.
• Strong financial analysis capabilities, including financial modelling, ratio analysis, variance analysis and cash-flow statements.
• Good knowledge of local taxation, including VAT, CIT, WHT and payroll-related taxes.
• Good understanding of internal control frameworks and audit requirements

Behavioral Competencies

• High integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical mindset and problem-solving ability.
• Accuracy, rigor and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to clearly brief the Finance Manager and other stakeholders.
• Strong organization, autonomy and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Team spirit and ability to coach and support junior staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Results orientation and continuous-improvement mindset.

Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, connecting businesses and people across more than 600 ports worldwide. With a fleet of over 300 modern container ships and a vessel capacity of 2.5 million TEU, we keep global trade moving reliably every day.

Our global network spans 140 countries, 400 offices, and a growing portfolio of terminal and infrastructure investments. This scale enables us to deliver consistent, high‑quality service across continents and to support our customers in even the most complex supply chains.

When you join us, you become part of more than 18,000 colleagues working across borders, functions, and cultures, to not only to deliver quality for our customers, but to create innovation and opportunities across roles, regions, and perspectives.

We believe that every exploration is a chance to grow, and every port is a place to belong.

Your Journey, Our Horizon