Consultant - Technical Accounting Uganda.Group Financial Operations and Controls

MTN is entering a new phase in its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become critical for success. With Ambition 2025, the urgency for change has become more heightened amidst increased competitive intensity across all markets in which MTN operates. The role must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:An expertise-based multicultural organisation.

• A dynamic and evolving field of Telecommunications and transformation into a Tech Co
• Management of executive and local shareholder expectations across MTN Opco
• Achievement of top quartile operating efficiency and effectiveness through scale and common policies and processes
• Dynamic Tax, legal and regulatory environment within South Africa and across the Opcos
• Convergence in markets and exploration of non-traditional revenue streams requiring complex interpretation and tax structuring 
• Evolving industry sector constantly presenting new challenges and opportunities to the core businesses
• Rapid horizontal and vertical expansion of MTN, in terms of size, products, customers and geographic distribution

At MTN, we are a purpose and value-led organisation and believe that understanding the needs and aspirations of our people is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, daily. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood, and empowered to live an inspired life. 

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

Our LIVE Y’ello Values, are the cornerstone of our culture.

• Lead with Care
• Can-do with Integrity
• Collaborate with Agility
• Serve with Respect
• Act with Inclusion

As part of the Group Technical Accounting team, Consultant: Technical Accounting is responsible for delivering:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Support in execution of strategies for ensuring compliance with Accounting Standards and incorporating accounting developments for OHADA/ IFRS that may impact the opco
• Formulate and operationalize internal accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and implement changes as necessary to maintain compliance
• Implement reporting frameworks that align with regulatory requirements and best practices
• Execute recommendations shared by Group Technical accounting team for the respective Opco
• Collaborate with Group Internal Audit for critical internal financial controls and risk mitigation requirements 

Operational Delivery

Monitoring Accounting Standards: 

• Implement new accounting developments for OHADA / IFRS that may impact the Opco (s)
• Offer hands-on support and training for staff regarding new accounting changes, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle updates
• Support in performing post implementation reviews of new accounting standards 
• Stay updated on new accounting developments for OHADA/IFRS that impact the Opco, providing necessary training and support for implementation

Collaboration and Support: 

• Collaborate with MTN Opco Finance team and business units to address OHADA / IFRS technical accounting queries, projects, and reviews
• Ensure consistency in accounting treatment across the Opco by collaborating closely with the internal stakeholders
• Work closely with the treasury team to ensure that the accounting implications of changes in hedging instruments/strategies are considered and understood

Special Projects and Initiatives: 

• Assist with special accounting projects as needed, contributing technical accounting expertise, and ensuring project outcomes align with accounting standards

Accounting Pronouncements: 

• Implement, maintain, and communicate all current and upcoming accounting pronouncements relevant to the Opco's financial statements

Position Papers: 

• Support technical accounting senior manager to develop position papers to present draft conclusions to the Group and Opco CFO and management 

Revenue Recognition and Other Accounting Standards Compliance:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to the relevant standards
• Assist in reviewing contracts and assessing their impact on revenue recognition
• Provide guidance on complex technical accounting scenarios, including multiple-element arrangements and contract modifications

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A):

• Assist in evaluating accounting implications related to business combinations, purchase price allocations, and goodwill impairment assessments.
• Assist in integrating financial reporting systems and processes post-acquisition

Technical Accounting Research:

• Conduct in-depth research on accounting issues, including complex transactions, non-standard arrangements, and emerging topics.
• Support in preparing technical memos documenting conclusions and recommendations.

Financial statements 

• Develop FS templates to update for the disclosure impact of new accounting standards
• Support in developing annual and interim FSs to ensure disclosure and presentation complies with IFRS
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders in restating financial statements
• Identify and rectify any accounting errors or misstatements

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Assist in developing and operationalizing accounting policies and procedures
• Aid in completing post-implementation reviews following the implementation of new accounting standards
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies across the Opco

Training and Education:

• Facilitate training sessions for finance and accounting teams on technical accounting matters

Collaboration with External Auditors:

• Work closely with external auditors during interim reviews and annual audits
• Support Senior Manager for Technical accounting in addressing audit inquiries related to technical accounting matters

Governance 

• Provide input in strategic meetings when required
• Provide inputs into the risk mitigation and controls
• Provide input into the preparation of proposal on change initiatives, policies, and procedures
• Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource impact
• Provide solutions to escalations that have impact on multiple processes / functions 
• Provide input into establishing objectives, targets for the function as applicable
• Identify and document key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions
• Prepare documentation required for sign-off / making decisions regarding tactical changes

Performance & Reporting

• Ensure execution in alignment with functional strategy
• Continuous performance monitoring and adjust strategy and actions to deliver targets
• Identify and report on projects risks, and impact and develop contingency plans to monitor and manage risks
• Report on a periodic basis relating to progress made and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organization
• Report on an ad hoc basis on specific projects, as required

Education:

• Education: Honours /Postgraduate or master’s degrees in accounting, Finance, Business, or related fields
• Relevant certifications such as CA(SA) (Chartered Accountant South Africa) are required

Experience:

• Atleast 2-3 years of experience in technical accounting
• Experience in financial reporting is desirable
• Familiarity with financial accounting concepts for both public and private companies
• knowledge of OHADA/ IFRS accounting standards and their application to telecommunications companies
• Hands on expereience of working in a technical accounting team, demonstrating expertise in regulatory compliance and financial reporting
• Experience in providing support to finance teams on complex technical accounting matters, including revenue recognition, lease accounting, and impairment assessments
• Experience in monitoring and interpreting accounting standard changes
• Prior experience Financial Services preferred, with experience within the telecom industry 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex accounting issues and provide practical solutions
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
• Pan Africa multi-cultural experience is advantageous
• Proficiency in Microsoft excel for financial analysis, modelling and reporting 
• Proficient in English 

Competencies:

• Technical Accounting Knowledge 
• Analytical Skills 
• Attention to Detail 
• Communication
• Problem- solving
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Ethics and Integrity

Skills

• Business Acumen 
• Analytics and Interpretation
• Strategic Thinking 
• Organizational Agility 
• Digital mind-set
• Dealing with ambiguity and complexity
• Conflict Management
• Financial and Numerical acumen
• Project Management
• People Management
• Executive Presentation 

Behavioural Qualities

• Adaptable
• Complete candor
• Culturally aware 
• Innovation 
• Leadership
• Team Player