Trade and Operations Analyst

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Description\/Synopsys: Our client, a Boutique Commodities and Investments Business, situated in the heart of Cape Town is seeking a senior accountant who will be responsible for assisting in the financial management of trading contracts, including budgeting, reconciliations, and profit and loss (P&L) tracking across multiple sale agreements. This role supports financial accuracy, contract profitability analysis, and compliance with financial reporting standards. We’re looking for someone with strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn and the energy to thrive in a fast-paced environment.   Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field CIMA qualification will be advantageous Minimum of 2 years’ experience in financial administration Experience with trade finance, budgeting, and contract analysis is highly advantageous Familiarity with international trading and pricing structures is beneficial   Responsibilities: Budgeting & Financial Planning: Assist in developing and monitoring financial budgets related to trading agreements Track actual performance against budgets and highlight variances Reconciliations & Financial Controls: Conduct periodic reconciliations of trading transactions Ensure accuracy in invoicing, payments, and financial records Support internal finance teams in streamlining reconciliation processes Profit & Loss (P&L) Tracking: Assist in preparing and analysing P&L statements for various sales contracts Ensure correct allocation of revenues and costs for accurate financial reporting Identify and report discrepancies in P&L calculations Contract & Trade Analysis: Support financial assessments of different trading contracts Provide insights on cost structures and assist in optimising Assist commercial teams in structuring financially viable contracts Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with logistics, operations, and trade teams to ensure seamless financial integration Liaise with external partners, including auditors and financial institutions, as required Reporting & Compliance: Prepare financial reports for internal teams and leadership Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and external regulatory requirements   Soft Skills: Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, reconciliations, and P&L tracking Proficiency in financial software, Excel\/Google sheets, and data analysis tools Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy in financial reporting Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Willingness to travel occasionally if required Strong adherence to financial governance and ethical business practices