Accounting Manager - South Africa

Global Initiative; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-profit organization is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead financial operations in South Africa. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with tax obligations, maintain accurate financial records, and supervise the finance team. This role requires strong hands-on accounting experience and managerial skills, along with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance and relevant certifications. A competitive salary and benefits are offered, with a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Mission-driven work

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years progressive accounting experience, including month-end close and statutory/tax filings in South Africa.
• Managerial experience is a must.
• Experience in non-profit/donor-funded environments is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead year-end close and prepare trial balance, journals, and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP, GI policies, and donor requirements.
• Supervise AP/AR cycles, vendor onboarding, and payment runs.

Skills

Accounting

Financial Reporting

Compliance

Team Leadership

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Professional certification (e.g., SAIPA/SAICA/ACCA/CPA)

Tools

NetSuite

ERP

Job description

Location : South Africa (minimum of 2 days per week in the office)

Reports to Director of Finance

Supervisory role to Finance Officers

Works closely with Global finance teams, including Grants Finance Managers, Grant Finance Officers and External Partners

Background

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) is an independent civil society organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with offices in Austria, South Africa, Colombia and Malta, and a globally dispersed Secretariat working in around 41 countries. GI-TOC comprises a network of more than 700 independent global and regional experts working on human rights, democracy, governance, and development issues where organized crime has become increasingly pertinent. GI-TOC provides a platform to promote greater debate and innovative approaches as the building blocks to an inclusive global strategy against organized crime. GI-TOC commissions and shares research globally; curates a robust resource library of 2,000 reports and tools specific to organized crime; and uses its convening power to unite both the private and public sectors against organized crime.

The GI-TOC works to:

• identify, analyse and map criminal trends and shifts in regional instability, and their impact on illicit flows, governance, development, security, conflict and the rule of law; and
• connect and empower civil-society actors across the region who are looking at issues related to organized crime and corruption, and their links to instability and conflict, and
• support local stakeholders/actors in their monitoring of national dynamics and wider regional and international organized-crime and insecurity trends.

Job Summary

The Global Initiative is looking for an experienced Accounting Manager.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the financial reporting and operational finance function for our South Africa entity. This includes ensuring compliance with statutory and tax obligations, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting strong internal controls.

In addition to the South Africa portfolio, the Accounting Manager will also provide hands‑on support to our finance operations in Geneva, Vienna, and Bogotá. This will involve working closely with external accounting providers in Vienna and Bogotá, and collaborating with the in‑house finance team in Geneva to support month‑end processes, aligned controls, and consistent financial reporting standards across all entities.

This is a practical, operational role. Day‑to‑day responsibilities will include accounts receivable and accounts payable processing, reconciliations, and general support to the finance team to ensure smooth and timely financial operations.

This position is suited to a finance professional with solid hands‑on accounting experience, strong attention to detail, and an interest in contributing to international finance coordination within a mission‑driven organisation.

Main responsibilities and specific tasks

• Close & Reporting - Lead year‑end close; prepare trial balance, journals, reconciliations; support consolidated financial statements and management reports.
• Compliance - Ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP, GI policies, and donor requirements; maintain robust internal controls and documentation.
• Statutory & Tax (South Africa) - Oversee VAT returns (VAT201), PAYE/SDL/UIF (EMP201/501), and other SARS filings; coordinate with external advisors as needed.
• AP/AR & Treasury - Supervise AP/AR cycles, vendor onboarding, payment runs, bank and revenue reconciliations, cashflow tracking, and treasury controls.
• Audit - Prepare audits; coordinate external auditors for statutory and donor/project audits.
• Systems & Process Improvement - Champion continuous improvement across the finance department (ERP/accounting, expense, and document workflows).
• Team Leadership - Manage, coach, and allocate work across Finance Officers; collaborate with the Grants Finance Manager on cost allocations, payroll charging, and donor reporting inputs.
• Stakeholder Support - Provide timely finance support to program teams and the Resilience Fund; contribute to budgeting and forecasting cycles.

Requisite skills and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance; professional certification (e.g., SAIPA/SAICA/ACCA/CPA) preferred.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience, including month‑end close and statutory/tax filings in South Africa.
• Managerial experience a must.
• Experience in non‑profit / donor‑funded environments (EU/UN/US & bilateral donors) is a strong advantage.
• Solid knowledge of IFRS, internal controls, and audit preparation.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with modern accounting/ERP and expense tools. NetSuite knowledge is a strong advantage
• Excellent organization, accuracy, and deadline management; proactive communicator and team leader.

What we offer

• Mission‑driven work with global impact and a supportive, flexible work environment.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits aligned to the South African market and experience.
• Two‑year contract with possibility of extension (subject to funding).

GI-TOC operates a flexible working environment and encourages staff to achieve a suitable work‑life balance and supports professional development and learning.

Only short‑listed candidates will be contacted.