Chief Accountant

Overview

The Chief Accountant is entrusted with leading and managing all accounting and financial operations linked to the UEPC Kazakhstan Project. This entails full compliance with UCC Holding’s internal policies, adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and conformity with local Kazakhstan regulations, including tax obligations and project-specific financial controls. The role demands maintaining precise financial records, preparing detailed reports, supervising audits, budget monitoring, cost control, and spearheading the project accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all daily accounting processes such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Fixed Assets, and Bank Reconciliations.
• Ensure timely issuance of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Generate project-specific financial reports, management overviews, and variance analyses for executive leadership.
• Oversee project cash flow management and assist treasury functions.
• Verify that all financial entries are accurately captured and appropriately backed by documentation.
• Collaborate with Cost Control and Commercial units to track budgets and expenditures.
• Analyze deviations from budgets and propose cost optimization strategies.
• Contribute to forecasting and long-term financial plans for the project.
• Confirm project expenditures align with approved budgets and contractual terms.
• Ensure adherence to IFRS, UCC Holding policies, and Kazakhstan statutory financial regulations.
• Coordinate both internal and external audit processes, ensuring comprehensive compliance.
• Maintain accounting records according to legal and corporate standards.
• Supervise tax compliance, VAT processes, and statutory filing obligations.
• Approve supplier payments, staff reimbursements, and subcontractor invoices.
• Manage receivables, enforcing prompt collection efforts.
• Validate invoice accuracy and payment documentation completeness.
• Lead and develop the accounting team, allocate tasks, and monitor performance standards.
• Provide training and guidance on accounting systems and procedures.
• Drive a culture prioritizing precision, responsibility, and continuous enhancement.
• Supervise implementation and upkeep of SAP ERP and SAP SuccessFactors financial modules as applicable.
• Reinforce internal financial controls to protect assets and mitigate risks.
• Continuously review and enhance accounting workflows and reporting frameworks.
• Support initiatives for digitalizing finance and improving processes.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including project management, procurement, commercial, HR, and corporate finance.
• Engage with banks, auditors, tax authorities, and external consultants as necessary.
• Assist management with financial analysis to support strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent field.
• Preferred professional qualifications include ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CA.
• At least 12 to 15 years of experience in accounting and finance roles.
• Minimum 5 years in senior leadership accounting positions in EPC, construction, infrastructure, oil & gas, energy, or industrial project sectors.
• Proven track record of involvement in large-scale international projects; experience in Central Asia is beneficial.
• Strong expertise in IFRS and financial reporting standards.
• Advanced skills in budgeting, forecasting, and controlling costs.
• Experience with SAP ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Knowledge of Kazakhstan tax laws and financial rules is an asset.
• Exceptional leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail with excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Capable of operating efficiently under pressure and meeting strict deadlines.
• Exemplifies ethical professionalism and organizational skills.