Senior Accountant - Payments job at Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL)

Background

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is a limited liability company incorporated in Uganda under the Companies Act. UEDCL owns the 33KV and below voltage electricity distribution networks. The company sales and distributes electricity in Uganda as per ERA License issued on 31 December 2024 covering over 135 political districts, operates a modern pole plant at Lugogo, and executes key rural electrification schemes on behalf of the Government of Uganda.

UEDCL is seeking to recruit qualified, competent and highly motivated Ugandans to fill the following positions;

Job Purpose

To manage and oversee UEDCL's payment processes ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of funds, adherence to financial controls and compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements. The role supports the optimization of the company's cash flow and contributes to maintaining strong vendor relationships

Impact

This role is pivotal in safeguarding the financial integrity of the organization through effective management of accounts payable and payment processing. It ensures the organization's obligations are met promptly and accurately thereby enhancing supplier confidence and operational continuity

Key Result Areas

• Oversee the preparation, authorization, and execution of all company payments
• Ensure payment transactions are recorded accurately and timely in the ERP
• Monitor cash disbursements to maintain optimal cash flow
• Manage and review the accounts payable process ensuring accurate invoice verification, approval, and recording
• Resolve disputes and discrepancies with suppliers regarding invoices and payments
• Develop and implement controls to prevent errors and fraud in the accounts payable process
• Ensure all payments comply with regulatory standards, tax laws, and internal financial policies
• Prepare and analyze payment and accounts payable reports for submission to the Manager Treasury Management
• Coordinate with external and internal auditors for payment-related queries and audits
• Supervise and mentor the Accountant Payables and Accounts Assistants, providing performance feedback and technical guidance
• Identify training needs and implement development programs to enhance team productivity
• Evaluate and improve payment and accounts payable processes to enhance efficiency and reduce processing time.
• Leverage technology and automation to streamline payment operations.

Expected Output

• Payment Processing and Management
• Accounts Payable Oversight
• Compliance and Reporting
• Team Leadership and Development
• Consistent process Improvement

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance or a related field
• Professional certification or Affiliation with ICPAU, ACCA or equivalent
• Proficiency in financial management systems and ERP software.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in management of accounts payable, payment processing, or financial accounting
• Experience in the energy or utility sector is highly preferred
• Proven experience in managing teams and improving financial processes.

Competencies

• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and financial controls.
• Knowledge of financial reporting standards (e.g., IPSAS).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and other financial tools.
• Leadership and people management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem- solving abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.

Working Environment

This position may require occasional supplier or field office visits for planning or verification, and other operational activities. The job may involve working for extended hours during peak periods and implementing financial controls.

• Oversee the preparation, authorization, and execution of all company payments
• Ensure payment transactions are recorded accurately and timely in the ERP
• Monitor cash disbursements to maintain optimal cash flow
• Manage and review the accounts payable process ensuring accurate invoice verification, approval, and recording
• Resolve disputes and discrepancies with suppliers regarding invoices and payments
• Develop and implement controls to prevent errors and fraud in the accounts payable process
• Ensure all payments comply with regulatory standards, tax laws, and internal financial policies
• Prepare and analyze payment and accounts payable reports for submission to the Manager Treasury Management
• Coordinate with external and internal auditors for payment-related queries and audits
• Supervise and mentor the Accountant Payables and Accounts Assistants, providing performance feedback and technical guidance
• Identify training needs and implement development programs to enhance team productivity
• Evaluate and improve payment and accounts payable processes to enhance efficiency and reduce processing time.
• Leverage technology and automation to streamline payment operations.

• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and financial controls.
• Knowledge of financial reporting standards (e.g., IPSAS).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and other financial tools.
• Leadership and people management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem- solving abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance or a related field
• Professional certification or Affiliation with ICPAU, ACCA or equivalent
• Proficiency in financial management systems and ERP software.