The industrial relocation, business creation, joint ventures, project development, etc., have transformed the African workplace and created considerable recruitment needs.
Many companies in Africa suffer from the skill-gap in middle-top management, according to some recruitment experts. Among the departments most affected, Finance and Accounting, which are key positions to help businesses in Africa to grow. The accounting experts, especially those specialized and experienced, are sought after in African businesses. From large multinationals to smaller companies, including SMEs, SMIs, NGOs, etc., the accounting profession is at the heart of the organization chart. But it is especially at the executive level, with profiles such as the finance director, key account manager, chief accountant, financial analyst, that recruitment needs are stronger.
By the way, what is it? Accountant is a profession where contacts and relationships are far from being put aside. Even though it’s a job where the use of computers is essential, internal contacts with other services (sales, purchasing, management, HR …) are very frequent, as well as externally with financial partners of the company or with clients in an accounting firm. The Accountant is attached to the finance department or senior management depending on the size and structure of the company. The Accountant must manage an increase in activity during the tax period which runs from January to the end of April, each year. Rigor, honesty, method and organization are essential qualities to be an accountant. The Accountant must also be curious and regularly update his knowledge. The precautionary principle must govern the way he approaches his work. His interpersonal skills will be an asset for his professional progress.
Recruitment needs in experienced accountants are growing. Accountants with office experience are particularly appreciated by companies and have faster career progression. Starting this profession, the internships or interim levels make it possible to get experience; those should not be taken for granted. In accounting firm, the Accountant will be able to evolve to positions of head of mission, but often he works both in company and accounting firm as well. His career prospects and his employability are widened. At company level, his duties are extensive, he is single accounting officer and must be able to intervene in related fields: establish a cash budget, calculate taxes and make tax returns, establish wages, make budget forecasts or analyze the balance sheet and the income statement. In an accounting department, his missions can be very specialized, for example, taking care of the accounts of customers or suppliers. In an accounting firm, the accountant takes charge of the client portfolio for which he manages accounting independently.