Role and Responsibilities:
The Working Capital Accountant is a pivotal figure in ensuring the financial health of the FMCG distributors. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere number-crunching:
Daily Monitoring and Proactive Support:
Regularly monitor the Working Capital formula within the Sales Buzz system.
Proactively address any anomalies, fluctuations, or unexpected trends, along with Commercial HR.
Collaborate with the commercial finance team to troubleshoot issues promptly.
Collaboration with Distributors Accountants and Commercial Finance Team:
Work closely with distributors accountants to maintain accurate financial records.
Foster a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged.
Ensure consistent application of reconciliation processes across all distributors.
Accuracy and Compliance Stewardship:
Uphold the highest standards of accuracy in financial calculations.
Validate data entries meticulously to prevent errors.
Ensure strict adherence to the SOP and internal policies.
Insights and Strategic Reporting:
Generate daily reports that transcend mere numbers:
Identify patterns, outliers, or emerging trends.
Provide actionable insights for decision-making.
Suggest strategic adjustments based on data analysis.
Bridge Builder Between Commercial Finance Team and Distributors:
Act as the conduit between the finance team and the network of distributors:
Address queries from distributors regarding financial matters.
Clarify any ambiguities related to Working Capital calculations.
Foster positive relationships to enhance collaboration.
Guidance and Mentorship to Accountants:
Mentor distributors accountants:
Explain reconciliation methodologies.
Share best practices for efficient data entry.
Encourage continuous learning and skill development.
Conduct regular trainings.
Escalation Champion:
Escalate significant discrepancies or persistent issues:
First to the Regional Sales Manager.
If unresolved, escalate further to the Commercial Finance Manager or relevant stakeholders.
Investigate root causes and propose corrective actions.
Process Optimization Advocate:
Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement:
Streamline data collection.
Enhance reconciliation efficiency.
Optimize resource allocation.
Ensure accurate end of month physical count in coordination with all distributor’s accountants and Sales Technology team.
System and Template Expertise:
Maintain an intimate understanding of the reconciliation template and system functionalities.
Collaborate with Sales Technology team to address any system-related challenges.
Job Requirements:Educational Background:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.Professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA, CMA) is a plus.Experience:Minimum of 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably within the FMCG sector.Proven experience in working capital management and financial reporting.Experience with ERP systems and financial software.Skills:Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial tools.Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple stakeholders.Technical Proficiency:Familiarity with the Working Capital formula and its application within financial systems.Understanding of SOPs, internal policies, and regulatory compliance in financial practices.Proficiency in using Sales Buzz or similar sales monitoring systems.Personal Attributes:High attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.Strong organizational and time management skills.Ability to mentor and guide junior accountants.Proactive and results-oriented mindset.