Financial Accountant (Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance with Honours and articles)

SUMMARY:

Position Overview

The Financial Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the company’s financial records. This role plays a central part in preparing financial statements, management accounts, statutory submissions, and reconciliations while supporting audits, compliance, and internal controls.

The Financial Accountant works closely with management accountants, payroll, and operational teams to support effective reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. The position requires strong technical accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret financial data for decision-making.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, the Companies Act, and other statutory requirements.
• Maintain the accuracy of the general ledger, fixed asset register, and reconciliations.
• Contribute to board packs and management presentations by providing financial schedules and variance analysis.

Management Accounting

• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts across the Group.
• Perform variance analysis against budgets and forecasts with supporting commentary.
• Review reconciliations of key balance sheet accounts, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Support product costing, stock valuations, and financial analysis of factory and retail operations.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and consolidated financial packs.
• Contribute to monthly and quarterly forecasts, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Monitor actual performance against budget and provide explanations for variances.

Cash Flow and Treasury Support

• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and monitor liquidity requirements.
• Reconcile cashbook transactions and assist in managing banking relationships.
• Support working capital management through monitoring receivables and payables.

Statutory Compliance and Audit

• Prepare supporting documentation for annual statutory audits.
• Liaise with auditors by providing schedules, reconciliations, and resolving queries.
• Support preparation of the Group Annual Financial Statements in line with IFRS.
• Maintain updated accounting policies and procedures to support compliance.

Payroll Support

• Assist payroll team with reconciliations of salaries, wages, deductions, and benefits.
• Ensure payroll journals are processed accurately and on time.
• Support compliance with SARS, UIF, and other payroll-related legislation.

Taxation

• Prepare tax computations for income tax, VAT, and provisional tax.
• Assist with SARS submissions and respond to queries or audits as required.
• Stay updated with tax legislation to ensure compliance.

Compliance and Risk

• Ensure adherence to financial controls and risk management policies.
• Assist in implementing audit recommendations and internal control improvements.
• Safeguard company assets through accurate and transparent financial processes.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and reporting systems.
• Assist in automation initiatives to improve efficiency within the finance function.
• Support the documentation of accounting policies and procedures.

Stakeholder Support

• Provide financial insights to business units, factory operations, and retail centres.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve financial and operational queries.
• Support management in decision-making through timely and accurate reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• As a minimum Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance with Honours and articles
• Professional qualification (CA(SA), CIMA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ relevant experience in financial accounting.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and South African tax legislation.
• Experience in manufacturing or retail industries advantageous.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., JDE, SAP) and advanced Excel skills.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement.

 

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