Finance Assistant

Houst; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Senior Finance Assistant to ensure the accuracy and compliance of financial records. This hybrid role involves managing accounts payable, executing payments, and supporting financial reporting while collaborating with internal stakeholders. Candidates should have a finance degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Benefits

23 days paid holiday (plus public holidays)

An extra day off for your birthday

Hybrid working model

Opportunities to innovate

Better Help coverage for mental health support

Laptop for business use

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a finance role (typically 3+ years).
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and standards (e.g., IFRS or GAAP).
• Experience with invoice processing, payment runs, and bank reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Verify and approve invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage and execute payments, ensuring timely completion.
• Support month-end close process and maintain accounts payable reports.

Skills

Invoice Processing

Payment Processing

Financial Reporting

Process Improvement

Cash Flow Management

Risk Management

Collaboration

Excel

Education

Degree in Finance

Professional Qualification

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Job description

The Senior Finance Assistant ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial records, supporting the company's financial health and strategic decision-making. This role involves managing the Accounts payable function, reconciliations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to enhance financial processes.

Responsibilities:

1. Invoice Processing & Management: Verify and approve invoices for accuracy, compliance, and approvals. Ensure timely and accurate entry of invoices into accounting systems.
2. Payment Processing: Manage and execute payments, ensuring they are completed on time and within agreed terms. Oversee multiple payment methods, including bank transfers. Reconcile accounts payable transactions with bank statements.
3. Financial Reporting & Compliance: Support the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and complete financial records. Maintain accounts payable reports, including aging reports, for management review. Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and legal regulations.
4. Process Improvement: Identify and implement process automation to enhance efficiency in accounts payable. Develop and maintain financial controls to ensure accuracy and consistency.
5. Cash Flow & Forecasting: Monitor and manage working capital and coordinate payment schedules. Assist in preparing accurate and timely cash flow forecasts. Manage currency holdings to optimise financial efficiency.
6. Risk Management: Implement controls to detect and prevent fraud within payment processes. Regularly assess financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
7. Collaboration & Problem Resolution: Work closely with finance and operations teams to ensure accurate reporting and smooth workflows. Address and resolve escalated accounts payable issues. Provide financial support and insights to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a finance role (typically 3+ years).
• Degree in Finance, and preferably a professional qualification.
• Experience with invoice processing, payment runs, and bank reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and standards (e.g., IFRS or GAAP).
• Experience supporting month-end close processes and preparing financial reports.
• Background in working with financial controls and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
• Strong Excel skills (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, reconciliations).
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements, especially in automation.
• Understanding of cash flow management and working capital principles.
• Exposure to multi-currency environments and international payment processes.
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to accounts payable.

Please note: This is a hybrid role, with 2-3 days in the office each week. You must be comfortable working UK hours 09:00-18:00 GMT, including adjustments for daylight savings which may shift to 10:00-19:00 or 11:00-20:00 SA time.

Benefits

• 23 days paid holiday (plus public holidays)
• An extra day off for your birthday — because who wants to work on their birthday?
• Hybrid working model
• Opportunities to innovate
• Better Help coverage for mental health support
• Laptop for business use
• Salary: R25,000-R30,000 per month (dependent on experience)