Scope of the Job
The Chief Accountant is responsible for directing and organizing all general accounting activities and accounting staff across Rifai’s divisions. The role prepares accurate and timely accounting and financial reports, ensures the integrity of accounting systems and record keeping, and safeguards compliance with Lebanese regulations, group reporting requirements, and internal controls.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Month-End Close
- Coordinate and oversee accounting operations: accounts payable, inter-company transactions, daily shop closing reports, stock management, general ledger analysis, fixed assets, salaries, and gift card/voucher analysis and reconciliation
- Ensure all accounting transactions are performed correctly and on time
- Create and approve daily and monthly journal entries
- Ensure an accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close
- Perform bank and credit card reconciliations, and validate and reconcile inventory and fixed asset accounts
- Be responsible for fixed assets and depreciation calculations
- Prepare project cost sheets and resolve inventory reconciliations
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Monitor and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports and statements, including P&L and cash flow forecasts
- Compare actual results with plans and forecasts to identify financial status
- Check cost center expenses against budget
- Recommend actions by analyzing and interpreting data and making comparative analyses
Compliance, Controls & Audit
- Adhere to and enforce proper accounting methods, policies, and procedures
- Monitor and ensure compliance with taxes on salaries, VAT, NSSF, and all other statutory taxes, and prepare the corporate tax calculation
- Conduct internal audits of the company’s accounts
- Coordinate with external auditors and handle audit correspondence
- Support the Accounting Manager in establishing and maintaining fiscal files and records to document transactions
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Assign projects and direct accounting staff to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Coach and evaluate team members and ensure workload coverage
- Act as the finance interface with management, operations, HR, auditors, and the group finance team
Competencies in Role
- Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Accuracy and attention to details
- Internal control mindset
- Integrity and confidentiality
- Time management
- Reporting & Analysis
Job Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting & Finance, CPA or equivalent is a plus.
- Experience: 8+ years of experience in accounting, including supervisor role.
- Linguistic Skills: Fluency in Arabic and English is required; proficiency in French is considered an plus.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. ERP experience is a must.
