Business Unit Accountant

Profile Personnel; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm is seeking a Business Unit Accountant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will manage financial management and reporting, budgeting, and compliance functions. Key responsibilities include preparing financial reports, managing cash flow, and ensuring strong internal controls. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a finance role and a relevant degree are required. The firm values strong analytical skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a finance or accounting role.
• Experience in a manufacturing or plant environment is advantageous.
• Grade 12 (Matric) is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyse financial reports and management accounts.
• Manage cash flow and working capital processes.
• Ensure strong internal controls and prepare for audits.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

High attention to detail and accuracy

Solid understanding of financial controls and reporting

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Advanced Excel and MS Office skills

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Education

BCom Degree or Diploma in Accounting / Finance or related field

Tools

ERP systems (e.g. BPCS or similar)

Job description

Role Overview

An established and fast-paced manufacturing environment is seeking a Business Unit Accountant to take ownership of financial management, reporting, and operational finance functions within the business unit.

This role is ideal for a hands‑on finance professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys partnering with operations to drive performance, improve controls, and support strategic decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare and analyse financial reports, management accounts, and weekly sales reports
• Monitor financial performance and investigate variances against budget and forecast
• Maintain and update the ERP system and general ledger
• Prepare journals, provisions, accruals, and reconciliations

Costing & Analysis

• Perform product costing and profitability analysis
• Investigate purchase price variances (PPV) and recommend improvements
• Analyse gross profit margins and identify distressed products
• Support pricing decisions and cost recovery initiatives

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare and manage operational budgets and forecasts
• Track performance and provide insights to support business planning

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and daily cash positions
• Oversee creditors, payments, and banking processes
• Review debtors ageing and ensure timely collections

CAPEX & Fixed Assets

• Manage CAPEX processes, including ROI calculations and approvals
• Maintain fixed asset registers and monitor spend vs budget
• Track tooling and capital project performance

Compliance, Audits & Controls

• Ensure strong internal controls and corporate governance
• Prepare for internal and external audits, including year‑end processes
• Manage statutory returns (VAT, PAYE, UIF, etc.)
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, including fraud prevention

Stock & Operational Support

• Oversee stock control processes and investigate variances
• Support operational teams with financial insights and analysis

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• BCom Degree or Diploma in Accounting / Finance or related field
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a finance or accounting role
• Experience in a manufacturing or plant environment is advantageous
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (e.g. BPCS or similar)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Solid understanding of financial controls and reporting
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Advanced Excel and MS Office skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive a response within 14 days please consider your application unsuccessful. We will keep your CV on our database for any other relevant roles that may arise.