Account Officer Job in Lagos

Account Officer Job in Lagos

A professional Law firm located in Lekki Phase 1 is recruiting suitable candidates to fill the position below:

Job Position: Account Officer

Job Location: Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
Work mode: On-site

Job Brief

• The Account Officer will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the firm, ensuring compliance with legal, tax, and regulatory requirements relevant to the legal industry.
• The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, managing client trust accounts and retainers, monitoring expenses, supporting audits, and producing timely financial reports.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Record-Keeping & Bookkeeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using accounting software.
• Post journal entries and perform bank reconciliations.
• Manage client ledgers and accounts.
• Record all firm and client transactions, including retainers, disbursements, and billings.
• Trust Account & Retainer Management
• Monitor and reconcile client trust accounts in line with legal and regulatory standards.
• Ensure proper accounting and utilization of client retainers.

Billing & Collections:

• Prepare and issue invoices based on lawyers’ time entries and disbursements.
• Track accounts receivable and follow up on overdue payments.
• Manage billing cycles and ensure invoice accuracy.
• Respond to client billing enquiries professionally.
• Expense, Payables & Vendor Management
• Process expenses, reimbursements, and vendor payments.
• Reconcile payables and ensure approval compliance.
• Raise and document invoices and receipts.
• Maintain vendor financial records.

Payroll & Taxation:

• Support payroll processing and payslip preparation.
• Calculate and remit statutory obligations including VAT, PAYE, WHT, Pension, and NSITF.
• Financial Reporting & Audit
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Maintain audit-ready records and documentation.
• Support internal and external audit processes.
• Budgeting & Financial Planning
• Assist with annual budgeting processes.
• Monitor budget performance and report variances.
• Provide financial forecasts and analysis.

Compliance & Internal Controls:

• Implement and monitor internal financial controls.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax laws, and legal ethics requirements.
• Maintain documentation integrity and audit trails.
• External Liaison & Banking Relations
• Coordinate with auditors, tax consultants, and banks.
• Interface with relevant regulatory bodies where required.

Records Management:

• Maintain secure physical and electronic filing systems for all financial records.

General Duties:

• Perform other finance-related tasks as assigned.
• Support continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of tax compliance (VAT, WHT, PAYE,
• Bank reconciliation turnaround time.
• Collection rate and accounts receivable aging.
• Timely and accurate payroll preparation.
• Timely preparation of management accounts and financial statements.
• Effective fee and debt tracking.
• Up-to-date client financial records.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline with 3–5 years’ accounting experience, with at least 1–2 years in a professional services or law firm environment.
• Knowledge of Nigerian tax laws and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Professional certification or part qualification in ICAN, ACCA, or CPA is an added advantage.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Project management knowledge is an added advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly responsive.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.