Chief Accountant / Senior Auditor - Abidjan

Job Summary

The Chief Accountant / Auditor leads the structuring, review, and continuous improvement of clients’ accounting functions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and reliable financial reporting. He/she drives the hands-on implementation of accounting frameworks, controls, and reporting processes, while conducting periodic reviews and enforcing corrective actions. The role requires direct engagement with client teams to supervise execution, deliver training, and embed sustainable accounting practices that strengthen governance and financial visibility. This role is based in Abidjan and requires relocation.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee accounting structuring and review engagements for client entities, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and reliability of financial information.

• Design and implement accounting frameworks, including chart of accounts, accounting policies, procedures, and internal control structures aligned with best practices and SD Group standards.
• Conduct periodic (monthly/quarterly) accounting reviews to validate financial records, identify gaps, and ensure proper recording and classification of transactions.
• Assess existing accounting processes, systems, and control environments, and drive practical improvements to strengthen governance and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and statutory regulations, with a focus on proper implementation within daily operations.
• Support clients in setting up and optimizing their accounting systems and workflows, including mapping transactions and establishing reporting structures.
• Provide clear financial visibility to management through structured reports, reconciliations, and executive summaries highlighting key risks and findings.
• Advise management on accounting implications of business decisions, ensuring alignment with financial controls and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate closely with client teams to understand operational needs, manage expectations, and ensure smooth implementation of accounting improvements.
• Supervise, mentor, and support client accounting staff, ensuring proper execution of accounting tasks and adherence to established procedures.
• Deliver hands-on training and continuous knowledge transfer to client finance teams to ensure sustainable adoption of best practices.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of SD Group accounting methodologies, tools, and delivery frameworks across projects and regions.

Qualifications, Skills & Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional certification preferred).

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in accounting and auditing, including proven leadership and team management responsibilities.
• Strong practical knowledge of accounting principles, auditing standards, financial regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing audit engagements and delivering financial advisory or consulting services to clients.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in accounting and auditing systems, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Fluency in English and French is mandatory.