Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
Senior Accountant – Full-Time
Uganda Christian University (UCU) is seeking a qualified and experienced Senior Accountant to oversee financial reporting, payroll management, financial controls, asset management, and accounting operations.
The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with statutory requirements and institutional policies, and prudent management of the University's financial resources. Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership, accounting expertise, integrity, confidentiality, and a commitment to the University's Christian values.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
A Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting, Commerce (Accounting option), or Business Administration/Business Studies (Accounting option) from a recognised institution of higher learning.
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting, Commerce (Accounting option), or Business Administration/Business Studies (Accounting option) from a recognised institution of higher learning.
At least five (5) years of work experience in financial management within a reputable organisation, including three (3) years at senior management level.
A full professional accounting qualification, such as ACCA, CPA, or CIMA, and membership in one of these professional bodies.
Excellent IT and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and management information systems (MIS).
Good working knowledge of standard office documentation software and demonstrable skills in computerised financial management systems, such as Pastel and SAP.
High integrity, excellent communication skills, leadership abilities, and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to initiate and implement measures that promote prudent financial management and accountability in the use of the University's financial resources.
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and adjust working hours when necessary.
Must be a committed and practising Christian with unquestionable integrity.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Accountant will be responsible for the following:
1. Financial Reporting and Accounts Management
Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and final financial reports in accordance with applicable laws, University policies, and management or Council requirements.
Prepare adjustment journals and ensure the accuracy of accounting records.
Supervise the preparation of final accounts for external audit.
Ensure that the accounts of UCU Mbale are prepared and submitted on time to Management, the Advisory Council, and relevant committees.
Follow up on banking queries and resolve issues relating to financial transactions.
2. Payroll Management and Statutory Compliance
Prepare and verify payroll records for full-time and part-time staff.
Manage and supervise payroll preparation, authorisation, and approval processes.
Ensure that statutory deductions, including National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions and Pay As You Earn (PAYE), are correctly calculated and withheld.
Ensure compliance with the University's financial policies and procedures.
3. Asset and Financial Resource Management
Oversee the proper maintenance and management of the University's asset register.
Supervise the establishment and maintenance of the fixed assets register.
Promote prudent financial management and accountability in the use of institutional resources.
Ensure that financial transactions are handled in line with the University's strategic plan.
4. Revenue, Expenditure, and Project Oversight
Supervise revenue and expenditure for College projects.
Analyse the financial viability of projects.
Verify requisition forms to support proper financial controls.
Facilitate official banking activities, including withdrawing funds for authorised use and collecting bank statements and cheque books from relevant banks.
5. Staff Supervision and Development
Ensure timely appraisal of accounting staff and follow up on issues arising from the appraisal process.
Identify departmental training needs and recommend appropriate training to the Staff Development Committee.
Provide oversight and guidance to accounting staff to support effective financial management.
6. Other Responsibilities
Perform any other official duties assigned by the supervisor from time to time.
Key Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strong financial reporting and accounting skills.
Knowledge of payroll administration and statutory deductions.
Proficiency in computerised accounting and financial management systems.
Strong leadership, staff supervision, and decision-making abilities.
High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines.
Commitment to sound financial governance and institutional policies.
Application Information
Application deadline: Not provided in the supplied job description.
Application procedure: The application link and submission instructions were not included in the supplied information. Interested applicants should consult Uganda Christian University's official recruitment channels for further details.
Note: The supplied job description refers specifically to the accounts of UCU Mbale and the Advisory Council. Applicants should confirm the precise duty station and reporting arrangements with the University if clarification is needed.
How to apply