Accountant

University of Fort Hare; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in Durban is seeking an experienced Accountant on a 6-month contract basis to maintain the integrity of financial records. The role covers general ledger, month-end reporting, and financial controls in line with IFRS and policy requirements.

The ideal candidate has a degree or diploma in accounting, 3–5 years of relevant experience, and familiarity with ERP systems such as Sage or CargoWise, with strong Excel skills to support analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Accounting (minimum requirement).
• Professional accounting qualifications such as SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA, SAICA articles, or equivalent will be advantageous.
• 3–5 years’ experience in an accounting role within a medium to large organisation.
• Experience with General Ledger, financial reporting, reconciliations, month-end reporting, and financial statements.
• Experience within logistics, transport, shipping, or supply chain industry will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the General Ledger and ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded, classified, and allocated.
• Review accounting entries and ensure journals are processed accurately and timeously.
• Prepare and process monthly journal entries to support accurate financial reporting.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and investigate and resolve outstanding reconciling items.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Independent working

Communication skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Accounting

SAIPA/CIMA/ACCA/SAICA advantageous

Tools

Sage

CargoWise

Advanced Excel

Job description

A leading client in the logistics and supply chain sector is seeking an experienced Accountant to join their team based in Durban on a 6-month contract basis. The accountant will be responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the company’s financial records by overseeing general ledger accounting, financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial controls. The successful candidate will provide accounting support to the Finance Manager and ensure that all financial transactions are accurately processed in line with IFRS requirements, company policies, statutory requirements, and reporting standards.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Financial Accounting

• Maintain the General Ledger and ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded, classified, and allocated.
• Review accounting entries and ensure journals are processed accurately and timeously.
• Prepare and process monthly journal entries to support accurate financial reporting.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records.

Reconciliations & Month-End Reporting

• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and investigate and resolve outstanding reconciling items.
• Review Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable reconciliations to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with month-end close processes and ensure reporting deadlines are achieved.
• Prepare monthly accruals and prepaid expense schedules.

Financial Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IFRS requirements, company policies, and financial procedures.
• Monitor revenue recognition and ensure transactions are recorded correctly.
• Review cost allocations and ensure expenses are captured in the correct accounting periods.
• Maintain accurate fixed asset registers and process depreciation calculations.
• Support internal and external audit processes by providing required documentation and information.

Financial Analysis & Support

• Assist the Finance Manager with financial analysis, reporting, and ad hoc financial projects.
• Support cash flow forecasting activities.
• Monitor operational costs and investigate unusual variances.
• Provide accounting guidance and support to Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team members.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within finance operations.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Accounting (minimum requirement).
• Professional accounting qualifications such as SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA, SAICA articles, or equivalent will be advantageous.

Experience

• 3–5 years’ experience in an accounting role within a medium to large organisation.
• Experience working with General Ledger, financial reporting, reconciliations, month-end reporting, and financial statements.
• Experience within the logistics, transport, shipping, or supply chain industry will be advantageous.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and IFRS fundamentals.
• Knowledge of VAT, reconciliations, financial reporting, and accounting controls.
• Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, Pivot Tables, and reporting functions.
• Experience using accounting systems such as Sage and CargoWise will be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to tasks.