Finance Operate Assistant Manager

EY US; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Johannesburg is seeking an Assistant Manager in Finance Operations. The role involves managing client relationships, delivering high-impact financial reporting services, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have a CTA or equivalent postgraduate degree, ideally with experience in professional services, and a passion for leveraging technology in accounting. This position offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Up to 1 year post-article experience, ideally in professional services.
• Experience in accounting and tax services, understanding legislative frameworks.
• Strong project management skills and ability to self-manage.

Responsibilities

• Take primary responsibility for client engagement delivery.
• Review financial statements and month-end processes for accuracy.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of learning.

Skills

Accounting Software

Time Management

Leadership

Communication

Relationship Management

Education

CTA or equivalent postgraduate degree

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Assistant Manager in Finance Operations

As an Assistant Manager in Finance Operations, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-impact financial reporting services across multiple clients. This role demands agility, technical excellence, and a consulting mindset, balancing client expectations, team leadership, and structured delivery under pressure. You will manage client relationships, contribute to solution design, and ensure delivery excellence across engagements. Embracing technology and data analytics to drive efficiency and insights, you will contribute to transforming our engagement delivery model.

Responsibilities, Experience & Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

• Take primary responsibility for client engagement delivery, ensuring structured execution and proactive issue resolution.
• Review financial statements and month-end close processes for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate year-end audit processes by managing deliverables and liaising with auditors.
• Ensure work is properly executed, documented, and concluded in compliance with Q&R standards.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of learning and professional growth.
• Collaborate across service lines to deliver integrated solutions that meet client needs.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement by leveraging technology and data analytics.
• Support engagement planning, proposals, and performance metrics to drive business success.

Qualifications & Experience

• CTA or equivalent postgraduate degree (e.g., CA(SA), ACCA, SAIPA) with relevant experience.
• Up to 1 year post-article experience, ideally in a professional services environment.
• Experience in delivering accounting and tax services and understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Competency in applying global compliance processes and tools, with adherence to Q&R procedures.
• Deep knowledge of IFRS and accounting principles, with exposure to IFRS 4 and IFRS 17 advantageous.
• Familiarity with the Companies Act and experience in multi-client environments.
• Experience with ERP systems and data analysis for deriving insights.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to self-manage and lead teams effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for technology and leveraging tech-driven solutions in accounting.
• Proficiency in data analysis from an accounting perspective, translating data into insights.
• Proactive mindset with a history of operational improvements.
• Team-oriented, eager to drive change and modernize workplaces.

About EY

At EY, you define your success and shape your future. We offer a culture of learning, innovation, and opportunities to grow. We value diversity and inclusion, empowering you to inspire others and build a better working world.

We are shapers of the future—change agents, cyber professionals, data scientists, risk managers, and more, with nearly 400,000 perspectives working together.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence?

Additional Details

• Experience Level: Manager
• Key Skills: Accounting Software, Time Management, Accounts Administration, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Reconciliation, Leadership, Communication, Relationship Management, Budgeting, Accounts Payable, etc.
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Vacancies: 1