Finance Operations Accountant at Syngenta

Role Purpose 

• Provide End to End finance support to the cluster (EASA/South Africa)
• Provide technical accounting and tax support for East Africa and Southern Africa statutory entities, working closely with the East Africa and Southern Africa Statutory Leads.
• Ensure accurate tax computations, robust statutory reporting, and strong compliance governance across both jurisdictions.
• Strengthen tax controls, support audit processes, and maintain high-quality financial records to meet Group standards and local regulatory requirements.
• Provide support for global service Centre

Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Computations

• Prepare corporate income tax computations, provisional tax calculations, and annual tax returns for East Africa and Southern Africa entities
• Support tax filing processes and coordinate with local tax consultants to ensure timely submissions
• Prepare/Review and validate indirect tax compliance including VAT, withholding tax (WHT), and PAYE calculations
• Monitor tax payment schedules and ensure timely remittances to tax authorities
• Maintain comprehensive tax working papers and documentation to support tax positions
• Identify and escalate tax risks or exposures to Statutory Leads and Group tax

Statutory Reporting & Financial Statements

• Support preparation of statutory financial statements for East Africa and Southern Africa in accordance with IFRS
• Prepare statutory reporting schedules, disclosures, and supporting documentation
• Review and validate accounting to reporting outputs including journals, statutory account reconciliations for accuracy and completeness
• Ensure proper cut-off procedures and accruals for period-end reporting
• Maintain balance sheet governance for high-risk accounts including provisions, accruals, and prepayments
• Support month-end and year-end close processes with statutory accounting requirements

Audit Support & Documentation

• Prepare audit files, schedules, and supporting documentation for external auditors
• Coordinate audit requests and respond to auditor queries in a timely and professional manner
• Support statutory audits for both Zambia and Kenya entities, ensuring audit readiness
• Implement audit recommendations and address control deficiencies identified
• Liaise with external auditors to facilitate smooth audit processes and timely completion

Transfer Pricing & Intercompany

• Support transfer pricing documentation and compliance requirements for both jurisdictions
• Coordinate with Group Tax and Transfer pricing teams on transfer pricing policies and updates
• Support transfer pricing studies and benchmarking analysis as required

Tax Governance & Advisory

• Ensure tax implications are identified and communicated for commercial transactions and business decisions
• Provide technical tax guidance to Commercial Finance and business stakeholders on routine matters
• Monitor changes in tax legislation and assess impact on East Africa and Southern Africa operations
• Support tax planning initiatives and optimization opportunities within compliance frameworks
• Maintain comprehensive audit trails and documentation for all statutory and tax matters

Process Standardization & Controls

• Collaborate with East Africa and Southern Africa Statutory Leads to harmonize statutory and tax processes across the region
• Support implementation of standardized templates, procedures, and controls for statutory reporting and tax compliance
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains in statutory and tax workflows
• Ensure robust financial controls and governance frameworks are maintained
• Document procedures and create reference materials for statutory and tax processes

Stakeholder Collaboration & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to Statutory Leads on tax and statutory matters, risks, and compliance status
• Coordinate with Group Tax on technical matters, tax audits, and policy implementation
• Liaise with local tax authorities and consultants on routine compliance matters
• Support Commercial Finance team with tax-related queries and business decision support
• Participate in regional finance calls and contribute to cross-functional projects

Qualifications

Skills & Capabilities

Professional qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field
• Key Technical Requirements:
• Advanced financial accounting and reporting expertise
• Proficiency in IFRS/GAAP standards
• Strong system knowledge (SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP)
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Strong business analytics capabilities
• Strategic planning and forecasting expertise