Position function
The successful candidate will be reporting to the Finance Manager, and will be responsible for the preparation of financial reports, ensuring financial accuracy while providing detailed and reliable financial data.
Job Summary
- Employer: AHL Tobacco Sales Limited
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Accounting
- Closing Date: 2026-10-16
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing monthly Management Accounts and providing accurate and timely financial information for Management’s decision making;
- Accurately maintaining company ledgers and daily financial transactions;
- Assisting in the preparation of financial statements (statement of comprehensive income, financial position, and cashflow)
- Assisting with preparation Operational and Capital Expenditure budgets and providing support in budget management to ensure expenditures are within allocated resources;
- Preparing timely Bank reconciliations and verifying payments and deposits made through the company’s bank accounts, including all other tobacco stakeholders
- Conducting timely reconciliations of other control accounts and ensuring that financial records are accurate all the time;
- Assisting in coordinating internal and external audits;
- Monitoring and supervising regional teams as well as the Head Office to ensure reporting deadlines are strictly met;
- Ensuring compliance with financial and taxation regulations while maintaining organizational integrity.
- Computing taxes, preparing tax returns, and filing reports with relevant regulatory bodies.
- Ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations.
- Ensuring financial data confidentiality and conducting database backups, where necessary.
- Any other related duties assigned from time to time.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from a recognized institution;
- Must be a member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA), and those doing final papers may be considered;
- Must be a registered member of the Malawi Accountants Board and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM);
- At least 3 years’ experience in a busy and challenging accounting environment;
- Knowledge of Sage200 and other modern accounting packages;
- Competent IT skills, particularly proficiency with spreadsheet software;
- Ability to work and manage a team of professionals.
How to Apply
About the Company
AHL Tobacco Sales Limited is a leading tobacco auction company operating in Malawi, facilitating the sale of the country's principal export crop through its auction floors. The company provides marketing services for tobacco growers across Malawi, including smallholder farmers and estate producers, connecting them with international buyers. Based in Lilongwe with auction floors in key tobacco-growing regions, AHL Tobacco Sales Limited plays a central role in Malawi's agricultural economy. The company is part of the AHL Group, which has deep roots in agricultural commodity trading across Southern Africa.
Malawi's premier tobacco auctioneer and trading platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Company Accountant role at a tobacco company in Malawi?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce from a recognized Malawian university such as the University of Malawi or Mzuzu University. Professional certifications like ACCA, CIMA, or ICAM membership are highly valued and often preferred for senior positions.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Company Accountant in Malawi's tobacco sector?
Daily tasks include processing financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, preparing monthly management reports, and ensuring compliance with Malawi Revenue Authority tax regulations. During tobacco auction seasons, accountants also handle seasonal cash flow management and farmer payment reconciliations.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for accountants in Malawian companies compared to international firms?
Malawian employers often emphasize personal relationships and respect for hierarchy, with decisions sometimes requiring consultation with senior management before implementation. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around family and community obligations is generally more accepted than in strictly corporate international environments.
What career progression opportunities exist for accountants working in Malawi's agricultural or tobacco companies?
Accountants typically advance to Senior Accountant, Finance Manager, or Financial Controller roles within 5-10 years depending on performance and additional qualifications. Some transition into consultancy, banking, or pursue executive positions in regional agricultural conglomerates operating across Southern Africa.
What employee benefits are commonly offered to accountants by established companies in Malawi?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave of 18-24 days, medical aid coverage through schemes like MAIMS or MASM, and pension contributions through NICO or other registered providers. Some larger employers also offer funeral insurance, staff loans, and performance-based bonuses.
How should I apply for an accountant position in Malawi, and what do employers prioritize in applications?
Submit applications through company websites, job portals like MyJobo or LinkedIn, or directly to HR departments with a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting relevant software skills like Pastel, SAP, or QuickBooks. Malawian employers prioritize demonstrated integrity, references from previous supervisors, and practical experience with local tax compliance and regulatory reporting.