Financial Accountant - Development Finance Business

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

About the company:

Our client is a purpose-driven organisation, committed to accelerating transformation and economic inclusion in South Africa. Through innovative enterprise and supplier development funding solutions, as well as impactful empowerment programmes, they partner with corporates and entrepreneurs to catalyse meaningful, measurable change.

Their finance team is seeking a dedicated Financial Accountant to support their operations across a dynamic portfolio of empowerment and development initiatives.

Role overview:

The Financial Accountant will report to the Financial Manager. The role requires someone who is detail-oriented, analytical, and passionate about supporting a high impact organisation through strong financial management and reporting. You will work closely with and report to the Finance Manager and broader team to ensure accurate accounting, compliance, and financial controls across the business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Oversee and process complex accounting transactions across the organization.
• Manage reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries in alignment with reporting deadlines.
• Review of monthly management accounts prepared by junior team members.
• Assisting with day-to-day queries from junior finance staff as well as their training and development.
• Review of all reconciliations (intercompany, loans, customer, supplier & bank) prepared by junior team members.
• Reviewing payments, customer invoices, age analysis and forms being processed / prepared by junior team members.
• Contribute to continuous financial process improvement within the organisation.
• Liaising with the general office staff with regards to office requirements (repairs, maintenance, office supplies etc.).
• Ensuring all entities have sufficient cash on hand daily to cover operational needs and that excess cash is timely invested in money market accounts.
• Preparation of VAT reconciliations and finalization of VAT submissions.
• Submission of EMP201 returns and ensuring that it is timeously settled.
• Ensuring that all salary journals are posted to Xero.
• Calculate and assess tax calculations, including provisions and relevant allowances.
• Ensuring all entities are tax compliant and managing any tax related audits.
• Ensuring COIDA submissions are timeously filed and certificate of good standing obtained.
• Filing of Annual Returns and Beneficial Ownership submissions.
• Ensuring Share Registers and resolutions are updated
• Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements and audit schedules.
• Compiling working papers, ensuring auditors are satisfied with processing, liaising with auditors.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and relevant legislation

Qualifications and Experience required:

• BCom in Accounting or Finance (a professional designation is a distinct advantage).
• 3 –7 years’ accounting experience (preferably in SME, NGO, financial services, or fund management environments)
• Strong proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks)
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills
• Experience with team supervision, group accounting, multi-entity environments is advantageous
• Proficient in taxation and SARS/UIF/Workmens Compensation/COIDA related platforms (e.g. e-filing)
• Knowledge of B-BBEE or empowerment structures is beneficial but not required

Key competencies:

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Good memory and recall is crucial
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines
• Strong problem solving and analytical capability
• A commitment to integrity, accountability, and excellence
• Strong communication skills across finance and operations

What the company offers:

• An opportunity to be part of an organisation making a meaningful socio economic impact
• A supportive and collaborative team culture
• Professional growth within a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Ability to grow professionally within a growing organisation
• Support for further professional development
• Involvement in development finance activities