Chief Accountant

Job Summary:

The Controller / Chief Accountant is responsible for leading the overall financial control and accounting operations of the bank. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective management of the bank's accounting systems, reconciliations, budgeting, management information systems (MIS), and tax functions. The position plays a key role in maintaining financial integrity and supporting strategic decision making.

Key job responsibilities include:

Financial Accounting and Bookkeeping

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
• Ensure accurate and timely posting of financial transactions in compliance with accounting standards (PFRS / IFRS).
• Review journal entries, account classifications, and supporting documentation.
• Supervise month-end and year-end closing activities.

Reconciliation and Internal Controls

• Ensure periodic and accurate reconciliation of bank accounts.
• Monitor suspense and clearing accounts and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Implement and maintain robust internal controls over financial processes.
• Support internal and external audits, providing schedules and explanations as required.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process in coordination with business units.
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analyses and recommendations.
• Support management in financial planning and cost control initiatives.

Management Information System (MIS) and Financial Reporting

• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and management reports, including profitability analysis, cost reports, and performance dashboards.
• Support management in strategic decision-making through financial modeling and analysis.
• Maintain and enhance financial reporting systems to ensure data integrity and efficiency.
• Regulatory and Statutory Reporting
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all regulatory reports to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and other regulatory agencies.
• Stay abreast of changes in financial reporting and regulatory requirements affecting the banking sector.
• Coordinate with BSP examiners and other regulators during audits or examinations.

Tax Compliance and Planning

• Oversee the preparation and filing of all tax returns (income tax, GRT, withholding taxes, documentary stamp tax, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with BIR regulations and manage tax audits.
• Provide guidance on tax-efficient practices within the bank's operations.

Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and develop accounting and finance staff, ensuring professional growth and high performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the Finance Department.
• Collaborate with other departments to align financial operations with business goals.

Key job requirements include:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy or equivalent; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Experience: At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, preferably in a universal or commercial bank or a financial institution.
• Technical Knowledge:
• Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) and IFRS
• BSP regulatory reporting requirements
• Taxation and BIR compliance
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis

Skills:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities
• High level of integrity and attention to detail
• Proficiency in MS Excel and financial management systems

Key Competencies

• Financial Accuracy and Integrity
• Regulatory Compliance
• Strategic and Analytical Thinking
• Leadership and Team Development
• Process Improvement and Systems Orientation
• Stakeholder Management