FRANCIS MUSA TIA
Freetown,W
Summary
Hardworking senior accountant proficient in providing cost-effective and accurate accounting oversight in industry. Exceptionally talented at preparing financial statements, reconciling transactions and assisting with internal and external audits. Experienced professional with several years of experience providing administrative, clerical and project support to accounting departments. Enterprising, cost-driven and well-organized with good project management skills. Sophisticated understanding of accounting systems and procedures.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Accountant
National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA),UNDP-Western Area Peninsula National Park Pr Global LINKS
Freetown, Freetown
03.2019 - Current
- Maintained detailed records of account transactions, including invoices, payments, and journal entries.
- Prepared monthly financial reports for management review.
- Monitored accounts payable activity to ensure accuracy and timeliness of payment processing.
- Analyzed general ledger accounts for accuracy and completeness on a regular basis.
- Provided support to internal and external auditors during the annual audit process.
- Developed strategies to improve accounting systems and processes.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards of generally accepted accounting principles.
- Reconciled bank statements to general ledgers on a monthly basis.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through analysis of current business practices.
- Advised senior management regarding complex accounting matters such as taxation issues or capital investments.
- Researched complex accounting topics as needed to ensure accurate reporting of financial data.
- Created new procedures for more efficient workflow within the department.
- Maintained documentation of internal controls ensuring compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements.
- Conducted variance analysis on income statement items in order to identify trends or anomalies in spending patterns.
- Generated ad hoc reports as requested by executive management team.
- Participated in special projects related to process improvement initiatives.
- Coordinated with other departments on various accounting activities such as month-end close process or budget preparation.
- Assisted in preparing tax returns for filing with government authorities.
- Trained staff members on proper use of accounting software applications.
- Performed general ledger account reconciliations and generated updated financial documents.
- Reviewed and reconciled discrepancies in accounts and financial documentation.
- Completed month-end and year-end close procedures and reconciled bank accounts.
- Managed and prepared journal entries and reconciliations to support monthly general ledger closing activities.
- Managed daily closing, reporting and reconciliation functions.
- Managed financial operations, month-end reporting, financial schedules and reconciliations.
- Managed month-end and year-end close duties, administered additions and performed maintenance and reporting of corporate fixed assets.
- Analyzed files and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances.
- Managed accounting department staff members and workload.
- Generated and presented monthly financial statements to senior management.
- Prepared and distributed financial statements and reports, variance reports, regulatory filings and related schedules.
- Oversaw accounting operations and financial paperwork.
- Collaborated with Controller and external auditors to conduct year-end close process.
- Performed audits of operational and financial areas to check compliance.
- Analyzed balance sheets for mistakes and inaccuracies.
- Posted financial data in Excel spreadsheets and managed inventory.
- Gathered banking transactions via statements, recorded activity in Excel format and reconciled balances.
- Maintained accurate accounts for cash, fixed assets and other transactions.
- Coordinated project materials and schedules, facilitated communication and prepared reports.
- Liaised with auditors to complete annual audits and maintain compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
- Designed internal control policies to improve audit scores.
- Researched changes in laws to maintain adherence to financial regulations.
Finance Officer
Global Links/RCPCH
Freetown, Freetown
02.2016 - 10.2018
- Conducted financial analysis to identify potential areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Reviewed contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Managed accounts receivable and payable processes while ensuring accurate recording of transactions in the general ledger system.
- Provided timely financial advice to senior management regarding investment opportunities and risk management strategies.
- Analyzed cash flow projections to assess liquidity needs and develop funding plans accordingly.
- Assisted with the preparation of audited financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Evaluated existing internal controls to ensure their effectiveness in safeguarding assets from loss or misappropriation.
- Ensured that all taxes due were paid accurately and promptly according to government regulations.
- Developed annual operating budgets for various departments within the organization.
- Provided technical guidance to junior staff members regarding accounting principles, practices, procedures.
- Reconciled bank accounts on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of records.
- Coordinated audits with both internal and external auditors to ensure accuracy of financial statements.
- Participated in special projects related to process improvement initiatives.
- Implemented new accounting systems or software programs as needed.
- Prepared month-end accruals and necessary journal vouchers to facilitate month-end closing.
- Oversaw all postings and reconciliation of ledgers and accounts.
- Worked with regulatory representatives to complete accurate filings and maintain compliance.
- Evaluated budget plans and current costs to project trends and recommend updates.
- Worked with senior management to define standards, policies, procedures and organizational enhancements to meet company goals for finance.
- Conducted audit procedures and documented results to evaluate internal control effectiveness.
- Created and enforced company-wide controls regarding revenue and expenses in concerted effort to protect organization's assets.
- Compiled operational and risk reports detailing financial metrics to help management make proactive decisions.
- Planned and coordinated risk mitigation strategies to protect company assets.
- Reorganized finance and accounting departments to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.
- Checked payroll, vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Created and updated financial reports on frequent basis to present information to leadership teams.
- Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers and auditors.
- Developed invoicing systems and internal controls to boost billing efficiencies.
- Created financial management mechanisms to minimize financial risk to business.
- Recommended new financial and accounting software packages. replacing various non-integrated offerings.
Education
MBA - Accounting And Finance
University of Makeni (UNIMAK)
Northern Sierra Leone03-2026
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Finance
Saint Monica University in Cameroon, Honolulu, US
Cameroon Branch, Headquarter In Honolulu, USA03-2022
High School Diploma -
Emibex College
Sierra Leone06-2010
High School Diploma -
Emibex College
Sierra Leone03-2008
Skills
- Tracking optimization
- GAAP proficiency
- General ledger updates
- Internal controls implementation
- GAAP compliance
- Tax law expertise
- Financial statement review
- Staff oversight
- Cost accounting
- Tax optimization
Affiliations
- Certificate in Human Resources Management, knowledge in Accounting Information System and Data analysis experts.
- Training in conduct of Value for money at Golden Tilup Hotel, at Aberdeen.
Custom
- Volunteer worked for the Western Area Peninsula Project
Timeline
Senior Accountant
National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA),UNDP-Western Area Peninsula National Park Pr Global LINKS
03.2019 - Current
Finance Officer
Global Links/RCPCH
02.2016 - 10.2018
MBA - Accounting And Finance
University of Makeni (UNIMAK)
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Finance
Saint Monica University in Cameroon, Honolulu, US
High School Diploma -
Emibex College
High School Diploma -
Emibex College