Financial Accountant

Merchant West; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant West Holdings seeks a senior financial professional to manage end-to-end accounting for designated group entities and provide strategic payroll oversight across the group. The role emphasizes collaboration with the CFO, group accountants, and auditors to ensure compliance and efficiency.

You will oversee month-end close, statutory returns, budgets, and maintain strong internal controls while driving process improvements across finance and payroll functions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a similar financial role.
• Experience in full-function financial accounting including annual financial statements.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Experience with Sage 300 People HRIS & Payroll.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-function financial accounting for designated group entities from invoicing to annual statements.
• Perform day-to-day accounting: bank reconciliations, AP, AR, GL management.
• Ensure timely processing of supplier invoices and supporting docs.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and monthly management accounts.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and accurate journal entries.
• Prepare annual financial statements per applicable standards and statutory returns.
• Oversee payroll end-to-end using Sage 300 HRIS; validate monthly payroll.
• Assist CFO with budgeting, ad hoc analysis, and year-end audits.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent worker

Stakeholder management

Time management

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Education

BCom degree with Finance/Accounting

Post degree qualification advantageous

Tools

Sage 300 People HRIS

Payroll systems

Job description

This is a dual-function role within the MW Holdings Group, combining full financial accounting responsibilities with payroll oversight at a Group level. The role is structured with an approximate 75/25 split between end-to-end financial accounting for designated group entities and strategic payroll oversight across the Group.

The role requires close collaboration with the CFO, Group Accountants, Auditors and other business stakeholders to ensure compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assume full financial accounting responsibility for designated group companies, from invoice processing to annual financial statements.
• Perform all day-to-day accounting functions including bank statement capturing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger management.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing and payment of supplier invoices, maintaining appropriate supporting documentation.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies timeously.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and ensure accurate and complete journal entries.
• Prepare accurate Trial Balance reports and management accounts on a monthly basis.
• Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns including VAT, EMP201, and corporate income tax (including provisional tax).
• Prepare detailed budgets.
• Ensure all accounting practices comply with legal, regulatory, and internal control requirements.
• Manage year-end processes and liaise with external auditors, resolving queries efficiently.
• Support the CFO and CEO with ad hoc financial analysis and reporting requirements.

2.Payroll Oversight

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll function for the MW Holdings Group using Sage 300 HRIS.
• Work closely with the Payroll Capturer to review and validate monthly payroll processing prior to release.
• Review payroll reconciliations monthly to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and/or review payroll journals and ensure accurate posting to the general ledger for submission to Group Accountants.
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of all statutory payroll-related taxes and deductions (including PAYE, UIF, SDL and other applicable levies) as well as company contributions to third parties (Provident Fund, Risk Cover, Medical Aid).
• Release payroll for payment to employees on a monthly basis in line with internal approval processes.
• Assist the CFO with bonus calculations, incentive schedules, leave pay accruals, and related payroll adjustments.
• Ensure payroll records are audit-ready and assist external auditors with all payroll-related queries.
• Maintain strong internal controls over payroll processes to ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance with legislation.
• Continuously review payroll processes and identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency.

Qualifications:

• BCom degree with Finance and/or Accounting
• Post Degree qualification could be advantageous

Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Advanced Excel and working with formulas.
• Proven experience in full-function financial accounting, including preparation of Annual Financial Statements.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements (advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience overseeing payroll functions within a finance environment.
• Experience working with Sage 300 People HRIS & Payroll (or similar payroll system).
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, journal entries, and reconciliations.

Skills:

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong internal control mindset.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior leadership and group finance teams.
• Deadline oriented with strong organisational skills.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Accountability and ownership
• Professional integrity and ethical judgement
• Stakeholder collaboration and communication
• Time management and organisational discipline
• Results orientation and reliability
• Compliance awareness and governance discipline