Chief Accountant, Kazakhstan

Job Description Summary

Imagine..... a world where you are not able to access medicine....
At Sandoz, we are pioneering access to Medicine for 500 million patients around the world, sustainably!
Sandoz careers have genuine impact! Those who join us make an impact on Sandoz, our patient mission and have access to sustainable personal and professional growth! We want to be the leading generics organization in the world. To do that, we have to be there fast and be there first.
We are looking for a Chief accountant to effectively manage the financial and accounting operations of the company in Kazakhstan. This includes ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, maintaining compliance with tax laws and regulations, managing tax risks, and providing insightful analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making. By overseeing all financial activities, the Chief Accountant plays a crucial role in safeguarding the company's financial interests, optimizing tax efficiency, and promoting sound financial practices within the organization.

Job Description

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the finance and accounting team, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of financial processes and procedures;
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards;
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals, to maintain accurate financial records;
• Ensure compliance with local tax laws and regulations by overseeing the timely and accurate preparation and filing of tax returns, including VAT, corporate income tax, and payroll taxes;
• Develop and implement tax strategies to minimize the company's tax liabilities and manage tax risks effectively, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Stay abreast of changes in accounting and tax regulations in Kazakhstan and ensure necessary updates and adaptations to internal policies and procedures;
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to facilitate smooth and successful audits, providing required financial information and resolving any identified issues or discrepancies;
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls, including segregation of duties, to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud or misappropriation;
• Monitor, analyze, and report on key financial metrics and variances, providing insights and recommendations to management for informed decision-making;
• Coordinate the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial projections based on accurate and reliable financial data;
• Support strategic initiatives and business development activities by providing financial analysis, feasibility studies, and support for investment decisions;
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as tax authorities, auditors, and consultants, ensuring effective communication, cooperation, and compliance;
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the finance and accounting team, fostering their professional growth and ensuring a high level of performance and engagement;
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial and accounting processes, systems, and controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a multinational company;
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field;
• Professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent is preferable;
• In-depth knowledge of tax legislation, accounting principles, and financial reporting standards in Kazakhstan;
• Experience in preparing and filing tax returns, conducting tax audits, and managing tax-related risks;
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work with complex financial data;
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams;
• Strong leadership and management abilities, with the capacity to motivate and develop a team;
• Continuous Learning/Dynamic Knowledge;
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
• Strong results orientation;
• Languages: English – mandatory; Russian - mandatory, Kazakh – advantage.

You’ll receive:

In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer:

- collaborative, supportive and open environment, where you are encouraged to share ideas;

- additional learning and skills growth;

- project based opportunities;

- cross country exposure;

- personal growth, training & worldwide career opportunities;

- well-being & flexible-hybrid working;

- incentive program, lunch allowance, employee recognition scheme, 28 days of annual leave, employee assistance program, parental & maternity leave.

Why Sandoz?

Generic and Biosimilar medicines are the backbone of the global medicines industry. Sandoz, a leader in this sector, touched the lives of almost 500 million patients last year and while we are proud of this achievement, we have an ambition to do more!

With investments in new development capabilities, state-of-the-art production sites, new acquisitions, and partnerships, we have the opportunity to shape the future of Sandoz and help more patients gain access to low-cost, high-quality medicines, sustainably.

Our momentum and entrepreneurial spirit is powered by an open, collaborative culture driven by our talented and ambitious colleagues, who, in return for applying their skills experience an agile and collegiate environment with impactful, flexible-hybrid careers, where diversity is welcomed and where personal growth is encouraged! 

The future is ours to shape!

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Join our Sandoz Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Sandoz and our career opportunities, join the Network here: Sandoz Talentpool (novartis.com)

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Skills Desired

Ability To Influence Key Stakeholders, Accounting, Building Effective Teams, Critical Thinking, Effective Communications, Financial Accounting, Financial And Management Reporting, Financial Data, People Development, Process Optimization, Resource Allocation, Understanding Value Drivers