Accounts Assistant

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization in Cape Town is seeking an Accounts Assistant to oversee financial management. The role involves collaborating with the finance team, assisting in budget preparation, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting principles and experience in the nonprofit sector. This position offers a permanent contract with a 6-month probationary period, and candidates are encouraged to apply with a motivation letter and CV.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in finance coordination within the not-for-profit sector.
• Minimum degree level in management/accountancy or business.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, or relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing financial strategy.
• Facilitate day-to-day financial operations including invoicing and payroll.
• Prepare and present financial reports to management and the Board.

Skills

Accounting Principles

Financial Reporting

Bookkeeping

Taxation

Auditing

Budgeting & Forecasting

Cost Accounting

Regulatory Compliance

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s in Accounting

CPA

CMA

Tools

Sage Cloud

Job description

• Muslim Hands South Africa (MHSA)
  
  

Accounts Assistant

• Deadline:
  
  

24 May 2025

• Region:
  
  

Cape Town

• Salary:
  
  

Negotiable, commensurate with experience

• Type of employment:
  
  

Full time

Job Description

Job Type: Permanent (6-month probationary period)

Category: Finance

Sector : International Development

Location: Rylands, Cape Town

Muslim Hands SA is seeking a skilled Accountant to assist in overseeing financial management and leadership. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the head of the department, the senior accountant, as well as with other divisions within the organisation, and will play a vital role within the finance team.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Successful Candidate Will Be Responsible For

Assist with Strategy, Planning and Financial Management

• Assisting in the development and implementation of the financial strategy in line with the strategic aims of Muslim Hands.
• Assisting the senior accountant in developing and implementing the organisation’s annual budgetary plan and ensuring effective models and tools are used to manage finances at all levels.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget, monthly management, and annual financial accounts.
• In collaboration with the Finance Team, analyse the business climate and market trends to create strategic financial plans with senior management.
• Ensuring that financial policies and practices are in line with statutory regulations and legislation.
  
  

Financial Operations

• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining financial controls, standards, and systems.
• Facilitating day-to-day operations, including tracking financial data, invoicing, creditors, payroll, bank statements, reviews and completing monthly bank reconciliations.
• Supporting the department and producing and monitoring the annual budget.
• Reviewing cash flow, accounts and other financial transactions for each department.
• Reviewing, developing, and maintaining internal accounting controls and procedures and advising staff on these.
• Assist the senior accountant in organising monthly budget review meetings and preparing official reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to present to management and the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring all budgets are confirmed and accurate for quarterly presentations to management.
• Assist with financial training for budget holders to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities regarding financial management.
• Supporting managers in the partner offices by critically analysing project budgets and financial proposals.
• Overseeing both internal monitoring and evaluation processes and the external auditing process. Carrying out internal checks and audits as and when needed.
• Assisting the HOD/Senior Accountant/CD/Board in preparing and ensuring annual accounts and all MH internationally registered entities of MH are instructed.
• Prepare Balance Sheet.
• Provide accounts to the auditor and assist in producing the Annual Financial Statement (AFS) and send the AFS report to the Department of Welfare.
• Programme Financial Management
• Supporting the programmes department to produce financial reports at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, and annually).
• Overseeing the preparation of project budgets and costings as well as project-based accounts.
• Supporting the programme staff to develop and implement the programme annual budget to ensure it is in line with the organisation’s financial procedures.
• Supporting financial transactions to and by MH partners in accordance with MOU and programme funding agreement.
• Assist in preparing the financial reports to the director, senior management, and the Board on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
  
  

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the values and ethics of MH in own working practice, approach, and conduct.
• Support fundraising activities from time-to-time.
• Undertake any reasonable responsibilities, as required by line manager.
• Promote and adhere to all policies, procedures, and professional practices at MH.
• Minimum degree level, ideally in management/accountancy or business and membership of an appropriate professional body.
• At least 3 years’ experience of working as a finance coordinator within the not-for-profit sector or public authority (local or national government)
• Experience of managing /assisting with financial operations in an organisation.
• Demonstrated budgeting skills and solid experience in financial systems, with a strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and profit and non-profit accounting and accounting systems.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead the financial reporting and analysis required to support strategic decision making.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex financial data (both written and verbal), articulate trade-offs, and distil information into clear recommendations for a range of decision-makers.
• Good level of knowledge with audit, compliance and internal control issues, and best practices related to risk management and insurance.
  
  

NB: This Job description is illustrative and non-exhaustive in scope. The post-holder may be required to undertake any reasonable tasks, as and when required by the line manager, to reflect the changing needs of the organisation.

Qualifications And Requirements

Technical Skills (Hard Skills)

• Accounting Principles – Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, or other relevant standards.
• Financial Reporting – Ability to prepare and analyse financial statements.
• Bookkeeping – Proficiency in recording transactions and maintaining ledgers.
• Taxation – Understanding of tax laws, regulations, and filing procedures.
• Auditing – Knowledge of internal and external audit processes.
• Budgeting & Forecasting – Skills in financial planning and variance analysis.
• Cost Accounting – Understanding of costing methods and profitability analysis.
• Regulatory Compliance – Awareness of financial laws and industry-specific regulations.
• Accounting Software – Proficiency in Sage Cloud.
• Data Analysis – Ability to interpret data, often using Excel or BI tools.
  
  

Interpersonal & Cognitive Skills

• Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy in financial data and reports.
• Analytical Thinking – Interpreting numbers, trends, and drawing logical conclusions.
• Problem-Solving – Ability to resolve discrepancies and improve processes.
• Time Management – Managing deadlines, especially during tax season or audits.
• Communication Skills – Explaining financial concepts clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Organisational Skills – Keeping track of large volumes of data and documentation.
• Ethics and Integrity – Trustworthiness and adherence to professional standards.
  
  

Attributes and Qualities

• Professionalism – Consistent behaviour, reliability, and respect in work settings.
• Adaptability – Ability to keep up with changes in laws, technology, and business needs.
• Confidentiality – Handling sensitive financial information discreetly.
• Curiosity and Learning Orientation – Willingness to stay updated on financial regulations and tools.
• Teamwork – Collaborating with finance teams, auditors, or other departments.
• Resilience – Handling high-pressure situations like audits or year-end closures.
  
  

Educational & Certification Requirements

• Degree – Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or related field (minimum).
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
  
  

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a motivation letter highlighting your suitability to the role, an updated CV and contact details of three work-related referees to [e-mail]

Contact will only be made with shortlisted candidates.

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• Date posted:
  
  

12 May 2025

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