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

SUMMARY:

Position Overview

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.