Chief Accountant

Position: Chief Accountant
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reporting Line: Finance Manager
Location: Luanda, Angola – Head Office (Ilha)
Contract Type: Indefinite
Sector: FMCG
Start Date: ASAP (subject to notice period)

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a senior, hands‑on Chief Accountant to take full ownership of the end‑to‑end financial reporting cycle and lead the Finance & Control function. The role is highly operational and leadership‑driven, with direct accountability for accuracy, compliance, deadlines, and team performance.

This position is critical to ensuring statutory compliance in Angola and delivering reliable financial information to management.

Core Responsibilities

  • Full ownership of daily accounting operations and transaction accuracy.
  • End‑to‑end leadership of the Finance & Control function, including:
    • Accounts Payable
    • Accounts Receivable
    • Treasury
    • Cash Office
    • Payroll
    • Accounting Operations
    • Management Accounting
  • Lead and execute month‑end close (journals, reconciliations, accruals, reporting).
  • Ensure strict compliance with Angolan accounting, fiscal, legal, and reporting requirements (including AGT and local customs).
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with banks, auditors, fiscal authorities, suppliers, and customers.
  • Partner with department heads to produce accurate cost‑centre and budget vs. actual reporting.
  • Work closely with factory and operations teams to ensure accurate costing, margin analysis, and variance control.
  • Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, controls, processes, and reporting quality.
  • Maximise the use of ERP systems to deliver high‑quality management information.

Mandatory Candidate Criteria (Screening – Non‑Negotiable)

Recruitment agencies must only submit candidates who meet all of the below:

  • ✔ Minimum 5+ years’ experience as a Chief Accountant (not deputy / assistant)
  • ✔ FMCG sector experience is mandatory
  • ✔ Proven experience working with Angolan fiscal laws, regulations, and compliance frameworks
  • ✔ Strong hands‑on experience with Primavera ERP
  • ✔ Fluent in English and Portuguese (written and spoken)
  • ✔ Demonstrated people leadership and team management experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
  • MBA and/or CPA qualification (advantageous)
  • Strong exposure to international accounting standards

Competency Profile

  • Regulatory & fiscal compliance expertise
  • Strong financial reporting and control discipline
  • Budgeting, costing, and FP&A capability
  • High integrity, attention to detail, and ethical standards
  • Confident communicator with senior stakeholders and auditors
  • Proven ability to enforce deadlines and accountability

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role suits a firm, detail‑driven finance leader who is comfortable operating in a highly regulated environment, managing multiple finance sub‑functions, and maintaining strong external authority relationships.

Agency Submission Guidelines

Please submit:

  • Updated CV (English preferred)
  • Summary confirming:
    • FMCG experience
    • Angolan regulatory exposure
    • Primavera ERP proficiency
    • Language fluency
    • Current location and availability