Accountant

Pele Energy Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial management organization in South Africa is seeking an experienced finance professional to oversee trust account operations. The role involves managing a finance team, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and reporting on financial data. Candidates should have a BCom in Accounting and experience in financial management. This position requires strong leadership and analytical skills, and it offers opportunities for travel and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in accounting.
• Strong understanding of the Trust Property Control Act and tax legislation.
• Proficiency in accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee trust account operations and compliance.
• Manage a finance team and ensure timely reporting.
• Engage with stakeholders and represent the department at AGMs.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Education

BCom in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Pastel

Xero

Sage

Job description

Overview

This role combines trust and general accounting expertise with broader financial management responsibilities.

The incumbent will oversee trust account operations, ensuring compliance with the Trust Property Control Act and relevant tax regulations.

They will manage a finance team and be responsible for reporting, financial analysis, and payment processes across multiple entities within the Group, as well as several external Trusts.

The role also involves travel to Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and active engagement with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounting & Compliance
  • Payments
  • Preparing payment schedules and saving supporting documents in folders ensuring compliance with group procurement policies
  • Loading payments on online banking platforms
  • Liaising with signatories to release payments and answer any questions on payments
• Regulatory compliance
  • Calculate, prepare and submit tax returns (e.g. VAT, PAYE, ITR), make payments and ensure SARS compliance
  • Register the trusts as a public benefit organisation (PBO) and ensure that trusts are compliant with the PBO requirements
  • Obtain S18A certificates from the beneficiaries and prepare S18A certificates for donations received
  • Ensure compliance with IFRS and internal financial policies
• FICA KYC Transaction processing
  • Manage distributions, investment income, and expenses per trust deeds and client instructions
  • Obtaining the dividends and donations remittance advice
  • Oversee general ledger, journals, and trial balances
  • Maintaining fixed asset registers
  • Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, receivable, and payroll; managing creditors and customer relationships
  • Implementing and monitoring controls for the improvement of the above process
  • Identify risk areas within the process, document them and implement mitigating control measures to reduce risks to acceptable levels
• Maintain and reconcile trust accounts in accordance with the Trust Property Control Act; ensure accurate and time-sensitive recording of receipts, disbursements, distributions, and general journals
• Ensure Sage and Softree inputs are up to date
• Assisting in audit process via management of audit request and sourcing of required documentation from Business as needed
• Monitor cash flow by tracking transactions and regularly reviewing internal reports; reinvest surplus cash into interest-bearing accounts monthly to optimise interest received
• Adhoc financial requests from T&F team and AM team
• Reporting & Analysis
  • Deliver timely and accurate financial reports to senior management and trustees
  • Preparation of the Trusts' budget for each financial year and presenting the budget to the Board of Trustees for approval
  • Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision-making
  • Monitor financial performance and provide variance analysis and insights to trustees and senior management
  • Prepare monthly management accounts, financial statements, board packs and audit packs
  • Manage cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting processes; ensure that excess or surplus funds are identified and spending plans are implemented
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Supervise, motivate, lead and mentor junior finance staff
  • Allocate tasks, review outputs, and ensure deadlines are met
  • Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement
• Stakeholder Engagement & Travel
  • Represent the trust and finance department at AGMs and other key meetings
  • Communicate effectively with trustees, beneficiaries, and external partners
  • Travel as required for audits, AGMs, and stakeholder engagements
  • Liaise with auditors, legal advisors, and trustees regarding trust matters

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Qualifications & Experience
  • BCom in Accounting, Finance, or related field (essential)
  • Minimum 2 years' experience in accounting
  • Strong understanding of the Trust Property Control Act and tax legislation
  • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, Xero, Sage)
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • High attention to detail and analytical thinking
  • Good time management and organisational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Willingness to travel and represent the organisation professionally
  • Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness
  • A high level of commitment and self‑motivation
• Competencies Leadership Capabilities
  • Participative Leadership
  • Planning & Organising
  • Monitoring & Measuring
• Cognitive Capabilities
  • Analysis & Attention to detail
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical thinking
• Interpersonal Capabilities
  • Assertive
  • Methodical
  • Drive & Action Oriented
  • Flexibility
  • Excellence & Quality Orientation