Accountant

Ishida Europe Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturing company based in Durban is seeking an experienced Accountant to join their Finance team. This role involves managing the full accounting function, preparing financial reports, and supporting strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Accounting or Finance, experience in a manufacturing environment, and proficiency in financial systems such as SAP or Odoo. Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in accounting, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to deliver accurate results under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations, and costing principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full accounting function up to statutory accounts.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports including Income Statement and Balance Sheet.
• Oversee stock and inventory management, reconciliations, and variance analysis.

Skills

Financial reporting

Reconciliations

Costing principles

Interpersonal skills

Emotional intelligence

Adaptability

Education

Degree or Diploma in Accounting or Finance

CA(SA) or CIMA qualification

Tools

SAP

Odoo

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Accountant – Durban (RSA)

Ishida Europe is a World leader in the design, manufacture and installation of complete weighing and packing line solutions. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Accountant (Durban – RSA) to join the Finance team in South Africa (RSA).

Main Purpose of the role

This role requires a hands‑on professional with strong financial expertise, proven manufacturing industry experience, and the ability to add value beyond the balance sheet.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the full accounting function up to statutory accounts.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow and financing report packs) to the agreed deadlines.
• Oversee stock and inventory management, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Conduct costing and margin analysis on manufacturing processes and products.
• Monitor and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of VAT, PAYE, and other statutory returns.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Liaise with auditors and prepare audit packs.
• Implement and streamline financial controls, systems, and processes.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decision‑making and operational efficiency.
• Business partner with functions to enhance process efficiencies and contribute to the financial performance of the group.
• Report directly to the African region group general manager and UK group financial headquarters
• Lead business functions to ensure accuracy of financial reporting and ensure that working capital is fully optimized.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decision‑making and operational efficiency.

What skills are we looking for?

The successful candidate must have a Degree or Diploma in Accounting or Finance, with working experience in accounting, preferably within a manufacturing environment. A strong understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations, and costing principles is essential, along with proficiency in financial systems. Previous hands‑on experience working in an ERP environment such as SAP, Odoo, or Microsoft Dynamics is a key requirement. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to deliver accurate results under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of precision in their work. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders are also critical. They should be confident, adaptable, and capable of building and maintaining relationships at all levels within the organisation. A willingness to be hands‑on particularly in problem‑solving and supporting financial aspects of cross‑functional projects is important.

The ideal candidate will also have a CA(SA) or CIMA qualification and experience working within a multinational business. Familiarity with the Odoo system would be advantageous, as would a demonstrated awareness of how IT systems can support and enhance the finance function. The right individual will be comfortable stepping outside of traditional accounting tasks to support the broader business, showing flexibility and a proactive mindset in delivering value beyond the numbers.