Senior Accountant - PNG Job Description

Position

Title Senior Accountant - PNG
Department PNG Management Team
Reports to Financial Controller - PNG
Location Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Date June 2025

Position Overview

This position supports the Financial Controller in ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls across the PNG business. It acts as the second-in-command for the Finance function and provides key leadership in accounting operations, treasury, tax, and statutory compliance.

This role offers hands-on exposure to core financial activities and plays a central part in improving systems, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, and supporting ongoing expansion of operations across PNG.

The position also provides financial insights, operational support, and leadership in collaboration with the Financial Controller, Regional FC, Regional COO, CFO, and Group CEO as appropriate.

Key Accountabilities

1. Accounting & Financial Operations

  • Perform accurate and timely bank reconciliations, ensuring consistency between manual and system records
  • Oversee reconciliation of handset performance and IGL compliance reporting
  • Manage system receipting and ensure timely order approvals
  • Prepare and issue credit notes in accordance with financial procedures
  • Reconcile platform liability balances and escalate discrepancies
  • Carry out any other reasonable duties required to ensure the smooth operation of PNG finance and business activities, as directed by the Financial Controller - PNG, Country Manager - PNG, Regional FC and CFOs, COO, or Group CEO.

2. Compliance & Statutory Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with all IRC tax obligations, including GST, SWT, ITR, and annual returns
  • Submit timely and accurate IPA annual returns
  • Maintain compliance with monthly Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) regulatory requirements
  • Compile weekly financial reporting covering revenue, collections, inventory, and debtors, including review and validation of inputs from team members

3. Treasury & Administration

  • Lead FX and treasury processes, including preparation and submission of foreign currency orders
  • Manage bank administration tasks such as signatory updates, internet banking access, and maintaining strong banking relationships
  • Monitor lease agreements and ensure documentation is current and compliant

4. HR & Regulatory Coordination

  • Collate monthly HR reports for financial oversight and inclusion in management packs
  • Facilitate work permit and visa processing for expatriate staff by collating and submitting required documentation

5. Systems & Policy Management

  • Oversee S2K system master data updates, including debtor, AP, and GL code setup
  • Develop and maintain internal financial policies and procedures
  • Identify training needs and contribute to the upskilling of finance team members

Reporting Relationships

Direct Reports As assigned by the Financial Controller - PNG
Key Working Relationships The role reports directly to the Financial Controller - PNG
Internal
  • Financial Controller - PNG
  • Country Manager - PNG
  • COO - Pacific
  • Regional HR
  • Regional FC
  • Group CEO
  • Group HR
  • Directors and Shareholders as appropriate
External
  • Client CEOs, Finance and Distribution Teams
  • Transactional Bankers
  • External Auditors
  • Insurance Brokers
  • Relevant Tax Authorities
  • Customers on Credit Terms
  • Suppliers and Manufacturers as appropriate

Key Deliverables

Key Deliverables
  • Accurate and timely financial reporting
  • 100% compliance with tax, regulatory, and statutory obligations
  • Robust treasury and FX management
  • Operational continuity in the absence of the Financial Controller
  • Ongoing improvement of systems, controls, and financial practices
  • Clear, validated weekly reporting with team input
  • Support in ensuring reseller and partner agreements are properly documented and kept current (where applicable)

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience
  • Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
  • CPA qualification (or equivalent) required
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior accounting or finance role
  • Demonstrated experience in compliance, tax, and reporting
  • Experience working in developing markets or multi-country operations is advantageous
  • Proficiency in accounting systems (S2K or similar), Excel, and online banking platforms
Core Competencies
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
  • Sound judgment and decision-making ability
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and maintain accountability
  • Cross-cultural communication and adaptability
Working Conditions
  • The position is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends during peak periods and month-end and year-end is expected.
  • The role is primarily office-based but may require occasional site visits or travel within PNG.
  • The incumbent must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professional integrity, particularly when handling financial data and personnel-related matters.