Financial Accountant

essity; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Essity, based in Pinetown, South Africa, is seeking a Financial Accountant on a fixed-term contract. You will own monthly closings, prepare VAT returns, and provide robust balance sheet analysis while supporting internal audits and finance harmonization projects.

The role requires a BCom in Accounting with 3–5 years in FMCG or multinational settings, strong Excel, SAP and AARO skills, and excellent communication in English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.
• 3–5 years finance experience in FMCG or multinational structure.
• Proficient in SAP and AARO.
• Strong MS Excel and financial reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of timely completion and accurate monthly calculations and posting of journal entries.
• Reporting of sales and other related numbers at month end closing.
• Preparation of VAT calculations and timely VAT returns submissions.
• Complete month, quarter and year end closing processes accurately and on time.
• Preparation and analysis of balance sheet reconciliations.
• Respond to controls in place and drive process improvements to strengthen internal controls.
• Ensure smooth audit and finalization of internal audit requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to obtain necessary financial information.
• Support harmonization projects within Finance in South Africa.
• Identify areas of improvement within current processes and drive change.

Skills

Excel

Attention to detail

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BCom Accounting degree

Tools

SAP

AARO

Job description

Financial Accountant (Fixed Term Contract)

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company which develops, produces and sells Health & Medical, Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene products and solutions and has a strong global presence.

We are looking for an Accountant to join our Global Business Services (GBS) Finance team based in Pinetown, South Africa. We are looking for an individual who possess strong technical system knowledge with accounting experience, passionate about what they do and has the ability to add value and walk the path in growing our business with us!

About the Role

The Accountant will be responsible for processing and preparing information used for reporting purposes. This role will report directly to the Regional Statutory Financial Manager TMEA.

We're looking for people who embody our values, who aren't afraid to challenge, innovate, move at fast pace, with attention to detail, and a passion for customer satisfaction. We're always looking for ways to improve our products and ourselves. If this is you, we’d love to talk.

What You Will Do

• Ownership of timely completion and accurate monthly calculations, and posting of relevant journal entries.
• Reporting of sales and other related numbers at month end closing.
• Preparation of VAT calculations and timely submission of VAT returns monthly.
• Complete month, quarter and year end closing processes accurately and timeously.
• Preparation and analysis of balance sheet reconciliations.
• Respond on controls in place and drive process improvements to enhance the internal control environment.
• Ensure a smooth audit and finalization internal audit requirements.
• Collaborate and support internal stakeholders of the business to obtain all necessary financial information.
• Support and assist with planned and ad hoc harmonization projects within Finance in South Africa.
• Identify areas of improvement within current processes in the Finance team and assist with driving change.
• Support the Statutory Financial Manager with projects as well as general daily operational requirements.

Who You Are

• Must have a BCom Accounting degree;
• 3-5 years Finance experience in the same or similar role as - Financial Accountant, Qualified Accountant or Financial Analyst within FMCG industry and a Global multinational structure;
• Proficient Microsoft Office, especially Excel and financial information and reporting systems, SAP and AARO;
• Project experience and implementations will be an advantage;
• Must be organised, deadline driven with excellent attention to detail and numeric accuracy;
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and be fluent in English;
• Must be strategically agile in understanding all business components and how they fit together;
• Must be collaborative at all levels internally, externally, cross functionally and be customer centric.

What We Can Offer You

Our purpose, Breaking Barriers to Well-Being, provides meaning to everything we do. Join us to improve well‑being for people and drive positive change for society and the environment. At Essity, you'll feel valued, empowered to grow, and challenged to achieve business results in a collaborative and open atmosphere. Innovate for Good | Excel Together | Be You with Us

Location

Pinetown, South Africa

Application End Date: 23 Sept 2026