Assistant Financial Accountant

Prescient; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Cape Town is seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant to support financial reporting and operations. The ideal candidate is a newly qualified CA(SA) with strong Excel and SQL skills, capable of identifying automation opportunities and streamlining workflows. This role involves significant collaboration with the finance team and adherence to high standards of accuracy.

Qualifications

• Newly qualified CA(SA), ideally with client at audit in financial services.
• Exposure to Financial Services preferable (Fund Services, Unit Trusts, Investment Management, Stock Broking).

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Financial Accountants with financial reporting.
• Prepare accurate, timely accounts in collaboration with Senior Financial Accountant.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes through automation.
• Provide efficient support to accounting operations and procurement functions.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Strong SQL skills

Effective problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

CA (SA)

Job description

Overview

Job title : Assistant Financial Accountant

Job Location : Western Cape, Cape Town

Deadline : October 26, 2025

Purpose of role :

• The Assistant Financial Accountant plays a vital role in supporting Senior Financial Accountants and Head of Finance with monthly and annual financial reporting.
• The Assistant Financial Accountant is responsible for preparing accurate, timely and error-free accounts in collaboration with a Senior Financial Accountant and in line with monthly deadlines.
• A key focus will be to identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce manual effort through automation.
• The role further involves adding value to front office teams, leadership, clients, and shareholders, upholding a high standard of excellence and service throughout.

Duties and responsibilities

The Assistant Financial Accountant provides efficient and effective support to Prescient’s accounting operations and procurement functions. This role encompasses a wide range of financial responsibilities which may include but is not limited to :

• Monthly bank statement processing and reconciliations (including credit cards).
• Monthly client fee calculations and invoicing in terms of signed mandates and / or SLAs.
• Cash flow management and forecasting.
• Preparing monthly accounting journals and supporting schedules.
• Performing account reconciliations to ensure data integrity.
• Supporting procurement processes and banking operations in line with Group control frameworks.
• Managing debtors and creditors to uphold financial discipline.
• Monthly reconciliation and settlement of intercompany balances.
• Calculating monthly Capital Adequacy Requirements.
• Assisting with tax compliance and reporting.
• Assisting with regulatory compliance and reporting.
• Adhering to monthly, quarterly and annual Group and Company specific reporting requirements.
• Cooperate with any internal audit requests and implement suggested changes where applicable.
• Liaising with external auditors as required to ensure a smooth and effective annual audit process.
• Contributing as a valued member of the Prescient Finance team.
• Cross-training and knowledge sharing across the greater finance team.
• Building and maintaining a trusted partnerships with the operating entity’s broader teams.
• Driving continuous improvement in controls and processes to reduce risk, enhance efficiency, and identify opportunities.
• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and reduce manual effort through automation.
• The role requires attention to detail, sound financial judgment, and a strong commitment to collaboration and operational excellence.

Required experience

• Newly qualified CA(SA). Ideally, with client at audit in financial services.
• Exposure to Financial Services preferable (Fund Services, Unit Trusts, Investment Management, Stock Broking).
• Strong Excel and SQL skills.

Required Qualifications

• CA (SA)

Key competencies

• Highly trustworthy and dependable, with a commitment to confidentiality and integrity.
• Demonstrates strong accountability, taking ownership of tasks and applying effective problem-solving skills.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all outputs.
• Possesses a strong work ethic; self-motivated, proactive, and results driven.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships through excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Identifies opportunities to automate manual tasks and streamline workflows, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Exceptionally well-organized, structured, and methodical in approach.
• Bring a positive, energetic outlook to work, fostering a productive and collaborative atmosphere.