Assistant Financial Accountant

Hungry Lion Fast Foods (Pty) Ltd; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic quick-service restaurant company is seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant based in Stellenbosch. This role supports the finance team by managing day-to-day accounting operations including asset management, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and 2-3 years of relevant experience, particularly in a fast-paced environment. Strong Excel skills and a detail-oriented approach are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years’ relevant accounting experience, preferably in a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) environment.
• Knowledge of fixed asset accounting and depreciation methods.
• Experience with ERP systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying and recording new capital expenditures.
• Post journal entries to the general ledger accurately.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end closing activities.

Skills

Knowledge of accounting principles

Strong Excel skills

Attention to detail

Good organisational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Tools

SAGE X3

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Assistant Financial Accountant will play a key role in supporting the finance team in the day-to-day accounting operations of the business. This includes assisting with asset capitalisation, general ledger maintenance, month-end reporting, and other accounting duties to ensure accurate financial information for management and compliance purposes. The role is ideal for someone looking to grow their accounting experience within a dynamic, fast-moving Quick Service Restaurant environment.

The purpose of this position is to support the accountant by performing accurate and timely accounting tasks, with a focus on fixed asset management, reconciliations, financial reporting, and compliance. This role will ensure that financial information is properly recorded, monitored, and reported to assist with operational decision‑making.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fixed Asset Management & Capitalisation:
  • Assist in identifying, reviewing, and recording new capital expenditures in accordance with company policy and accounting standards.
  • Track depreciation and assist with monthly depreciation calculations.
  • Support periodic asset audits and reconciliations.
  • Assist with scrapping or disposing of fixed assets.
• Financial Accounting & Reporting:
  • Post journal entries to the general ledger accurately and timely.
  • Assist with month‑end and year‑end closing activities.
  • Prepare supporting schedules for financial statements, including accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations.
• Accounts Receivable and Payable Support:
  • Assist with processing invoices and payments.
  • Reconcile supplier statements and ensure accuracy of balances.
  • Assist with accounts payable processing, vendor statement reconciliation, and accruals.
  • Support collection processes and ensure customer accounts are reconciled.
• Compliance & Controls:
  • Ensure all financial transactions comply with company policies and relevant accounting standards (IFRS for SMEs).
  • Assist in maintaining proper documentation and internal controls for all accounting processes.
• Ad hoc Support:
  • Assist in financial projects or system implementations (e.g., ERP upgrades).
  • Respond to ad‑hoc accounting or audit queries.
  • Support the finance team with other tasks as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent.
• 2–3 years’ relevant accounting experience (preferably in QSR environment).
• Knowledge of accounting principles, fixed asset accounting, and depreciation methods.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAGE X3) is advantageous.
• Strong Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, and basic reporting).
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Exposure to group reporting or multi‑entity accounting.
• Knowledgeable understanding of asset management processes (PPE).
• QSR experience.
• Interest in growing into a senior accounting or financial reporting role.

COMPETENCIES

• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player mentality.
• Proactive and solutions‑oriented approach.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).

AN INTRODUCTION TO HUNGRY LION

Hungry Lion’s journey began with a single store in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, in 1997, with a simple vision: to serve great food with genuine warmth and energy. Over the years, that vision has grown into a powerful business with a strong and expanding footprint, with hundreds of restaurants across multiple African countries.

We’re growing fast and building for the future. Our ambitious expansion strategy is opening doors to new countries, new communities, and new possibilities for our teams. This means real career growth, exposure to a dynamic multinational business, and the chance to be part of a brand that’s making a powerful impact in the quick‑service restaurant (QSR) industry.

Our success is powered by people; passionate, driven individuals who bring energy, creativity, and excellence to everything they do. From our restaurant teams to our corporate leadership, every person plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and growing our brand. Joining Hungry Lion means being part of a fast‑paced, dynamic, and supportive environment where your ideas, skills, and ambition can make a real impact.