Financial Accountant

Exim International Pty Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Cape Town seeks a Payroll Specialist to manage payroll processing, compile management accounts, and support financial operations. The ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification in Accounting and 2-5 years of experience in a fast-paced environment, strong knowledge of South African payroll legislation, and proficiency in payroll systems. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting in a collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years experience in payroll processing and bookkeeping.
• Strong analytical skills and financial literacy.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing.
• Assist in compiling monthly management accounts.
• Support the Financial Manager with financial tasks.

Skills

Payroll processing

South African payroll legislation knowledge

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Accounting or related field

Tools

Sage VIP

Payspace

Omni

Odoo

Job description

Purpose of the Role

This position supports the Financial Manager by managing and processing the full monthly payroll function, compiling basic monthly management accounts for smaller group companies, and assisting in day-to-day financial operations. The role is pivotal in ensuring accurate and timely reporting, payroll compliance, and the overall financial health of selected entities within the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing – manage end-to-end monthly payroll (salaries, deductions, benefits, taxes). Ensure compliance with SARS, UIF, SDL, PAYE regulations and prepare and submit EMP reconciliations.
• Liaise with external payroll providers (if applicable) and collaborate with HR regarding maintaining employee records (contracts, salary adjustments, etc).
• Process third‑party payments and statutory deductions. Assist with any benefit/insurance claims on behalf of Exim employees, with third‑party providers.
• Monthly Reporting and Management Accounts – assist with compilation of monthly management accounts for smaller group entities, post and process journal entries, conduct control account reconciliations, assist with gross profit analysis, and prepare monthly variance analysis and commentary.
• Processing and loading payments for suppliers to smaller group entities.
• Operational Finance Support – support the Financial Manager with ad‑hoc financial tasks and delegated responsibilities. Assist with cash book processing, petty cash reconciliations, and bank reconciliations. Assist with internal audits and process documentation, maintain Fixed Asset Register, and reconcile foreign imports supplier accounts/transactions.
• Support other finance staff when needed.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, or related field.
• Minimum 2‑5 years experience in payroll and bookkeeping, preferably in FMCG or a similar fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Sage VIP, Payspace) and accounting software (Omni, Odoo, etc).
• Strong working knowledge of South African payroll legislation and SARS requirements.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent time management, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Financial literacy and analytical competence.
• Suggests improvement and innovation to the processes to improve the effectiveness of the operation.
• Works well under pressure, remaining focused, optimistic and persistent even under adversity.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Payroll completed accurately and submitted by the 22nd of each month.
• Management accounts delivered for review by the 5th working day of each month.
• No payroll errors or compliance issues reported.
• Control account reconciliations finalised by the 4th working day.
• Timely and accurate execution of delegated tasks.