Finance Assistant

SUMMARY:
A leading multinational insurance and reinsurance broker is seeking a detail-driven Finance Assistant with strong Pastel experience and multi-currency exposure. If you thrive in a dynamic, international environment and enjoy taking ownership of monthly accounting processes, this opportunity is for you.

POSITION INFO:
Our client is a multinational insurance and reinsurance brokerage specialising in placing and servicing large, complex risks across Africa and globally.

As a respected player in the broking industry, they operate across multiple jurisdictions with a growing international footprint.

The Finance Assistant will support the Johannesburg-based finance team in managing monthly accounting processes across various group entities, including insurance and reinsurance brokers as well as investment holding companies.

This role requires someone who understands the full monthly accounting cycle within a growing business environment and who can confidently take ownership of transaction capturing, reconciliations, payments, and journals.

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organised, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving international business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process and capture transactions in Pastel Partner for multiple local and international entities.
• Perform multi-currency bank reconciliations.
• Process online banking transactions (multi-currency).
• Assist with the monthly close and closing off accounts.
• Perform forex revaluations.
• Prepare underwriter payment processes, including bordereaux production, reconciliations, and market communications.
• Liaise with broking and technology teams to ensure that system integration (Pastel and other systems) supports accurate accounting records.
• Assist with year-end processing.
• Monitor and assist with the reporting and recovery of large aged debtors.
• Perform finance-related HR administration tasks, including the distribution of payslips and IRP5s.

• Undergraduate or equivalent university Degree, preferably in Commerce or Accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience.
• Experience within a small, fast-growing South African business with an international footprint advantageous.
• Experience in the insurance or reinsurance industry beneficial.
• Strong working knowledge of Pastel Partner.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to additional financial systems and tools.
• Experience with multi-currency transactions and reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of monthly accounting processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to take ownership of tasks.

• Attention to Detail – Ensures high levels of accuracy across transaction capturing, reconciliations, and multi-currency processing.
• Accountability & Ownership – Takes responsibility for monthly accounting tasks and follows through to completion.
• Analytical Thinking – Identifies discrepancies and resolves financial issues effectively.
• Technical Proficiency – Demonstrates strong capability in Pastel Partner and adapts quickly to new financial systems.
• Time Management – Manages multiple entities and deadlines within the monthly close cycle.
• Collaboration – Works effectively with finance, broking, and technology teams to ensure accurate system integration.
• Adaptability – Thrives in a fast-growing, dynamic environment with international operations.
• Integrity & Confidentiality – Handles sensitive financial and payroll information with professionalism and discretion.

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