Accountant (Retail)

Findojobs South Africa; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium retail company in South Africa seeks an experienced Accountant to lead financial operations. Responsibilities include financial planning, reporting, and ensuring tax compliance. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and a strong background in a retail environment. This is an on-site, full-time position located in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years in a senior accounting role.
• Experience managing financial operations in a retail environment.
• Prior experience in a retail, FMCG, or consumer-focused industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial strategies aligned with goals.
• Lead the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare financial forecasts to guide decision-making.
• Oversee financial reporting and analysis.
• Manage cash flow and banking relationships.
• Ensure compliance with SARS regulations.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong emotional intelligence

Ability to work under pressure

Financial modeling

Forecasting

Scenario analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Xero

Pastel POS

Job description

We are recruiting on behalf of our client in the premium retail industry. They are seeking an Accountant who is both technically skilled and values-driven. If you are an Accountant ready tolead a Finance function , this is your opportunity.

The ideal candidate is detail-orientated, deadline-driven, and operates with integrity. Strong emotional intelligence and a genuine, people-first leadership approach are essential.

You will help nurture team growth and contribute to a positive, harmonious culture. Our client values honesty, innovation, and fresh thinking that improves how things are done. Experience negotiating with suppliers, banks, and landlords is highly beneficial.

Key Responsibilities :

Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting :

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads to establish realistic and achievable financial targets.
• Conduct regular variance analysis of actual results against budget and forecast, providing insights and recommendations for corrective action.
• Prepare financial forecasts (e.g., cash flow, income statement, balance sheet) to guide decision-making and anticipate future financial needs.
• Perform financial modelling and scenario analysis to assess potential outcomes of various business decisions.

Financial Reporting and Analysis :

Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement) in accordance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., IFRS).

Provide insightful financial analysis to senior management, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities.

Prepare detailed management reports, including performance dashboards and key financial metrics.

Present financial results and analysis to the board of directors, shareholders, or other stakeholders as required.

Manage the year-end audit process, liaising with external auditors to ensure timely completion and compliance.

Treasury and Cash Flow Management :

Manage the organization's cash flow effectively, ensuring sufficient liquidity for operational needs while optimizing returns on excess cash.

Develop and implement cash management policies and procedures.

Oversee banking relationships and negotiate favorable terms.

Manage foreign currency exposure through hedging strategies or other risk mitigation techniques.

Monitor and manage accounts receivable and accounts payable to optimize working capital.

Oversee foreign payments, ensuring compliance with South African Reserve Bank (SARB) exchange control regulations, including the correct application of Balance of Payment (BoP) codes, and obtaining SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN letters when required.

Procurement and Inventory Cost Management :

Manage and reconcile the Goods Received, Invoice Received (GRIR) clearing account, specifically addressing discrepancies arising from foreign exchange rate differences between the time goods are received and when the corresponding invoices are received from overseas suppliers. Ensure these differences are accurately identified, recorded (e.g., as foreign exchange gains / losses), and cleared in the financial system.

Work closely with the procurement team to optimize supplier payments and terms.

Payroll Management and SARS Compliance :

Oversee the entire payroll function, including conducting accurate and timely salary payments (pay run) for all employees.

Ensure strict compliance with all South African Revenue Service (SARS) regulations for PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn), UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), and SDL (Skills Development Levy).

Manage all year-end (YE) payroll procedures, including the accurate preparation and submission of EMP501 reconciliations to SARS, and the timely generation and distribution of IRP5 / IT3(a) certificates to employees, ensuring all data complies with SARS requirements.

Stay abreast of changes in payroll legislation and SARS requirements, implementing necessary adjustments to payroll processes.

Ensure accurate and complete payroll record-keeping.

Tax Compliance and Optimization :

Ensure timely and accurate submission of all statutory returns (e.g., VAT, Corporate Income Tax, PAYE / UIF / SDL) to SARS.

Develop and implement tax planning strategies to optimize the organization's tax position within legal frameworks.

Liaise with external tax advisors and SARS on tax-related matters, queries, and audits.

Ensure adherence to all relevant tax legislation and regulations.

Ensure accurate and complete payroll record-keeping.

Internal Controls and Risk Management :

Design, implement, and monitor robust internal financial controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.

Identify and assess financial risks (e.g., liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, operational risk) and develop mitigation strategies.

Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and corporate governance standards.

Manage and monitor insurance policies to protect against financial losses.

Systems and Process Improvement :

Evaluate and recommend improvements to financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control.

Oversee the implementation and optimization of financial software and tools.

Drive initiatives for automation and digitization within the finance function.

Experience :

At least 2–3 years in a senior accountingrole

Experience managing financial operations in a retail or consumer goods environment, including inventory costing, procurement processes, and reconciliations (e.g., GRIR clearing accounts)

Prior experience in a retail, FMCG, or consumer-focused industry

Experience working with foreign suppliers and multi-currency environments

Experience with Financial Systems, Xero, Pastel POS, or similar systems

Requirements

Location : Cape Town, Pinelands. On-site Full Time and Travel to various stores

Qualification required : Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (e.g., BCom)

Skills and or Characteristics :

Demonstrates honesty, trustworthiness, and discretion in managing financial and sensitive operational data

Ability to perform effectively under pressure, especially during month-end and audit periods.

Comfortable and adept at working across multiple regions and handling various currencies.

Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis skills with the ability to guide strategic business decisions.