Financial Accountant

University of Fort Hare; Somerset West; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established company based in Somerset West is seeking a Financial Accountant to support the CFO. This hybrid role will involve hands-on accounting and financial management tasks. The successful candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance, and overseeing financial operations.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field required.
• 1-2 years’ relevant accounting/finance experience needed.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS for SMEs and local compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate accounting records for three companies.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS for SMEs and statutory requirements.

Skills

Accounting principles

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency in accounting software

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Sage

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

(Hybrid Position) My client, a well-established group of company based in Somerset West has an exciting vacancy for a Financial Accountant with at least 2 years' experience in a similar role.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Honours or professional qualification e.g. CIMA, SAICA/CA(SA)/AGA(SA), or SAIPA advantageous).

The main purpose of this role is to support the CFO in managing the finance function across three companies. This is a hybrid role that combines hands-on accounting with financial management responsibilities, making it ideal for a professional looking to grow into a full Financial Manager position. The role requires strong technical accounting skills, sound knowledge of compliance and reporting, and the ability to take ownership of financial operations in a lean structure. The successful candidate will assist with day-to-day financial activities while gradually assuming responsibility for managing processes, people, and strategic finance initiatives

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Honours or professional qualification e.g. CIMA, SAICA/CA(SA)/AGA(SA), or SAIPA advantageous).
• 1–2 years’ relevant accounting/finance experience, preferably across multiple entities.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, IFRS for SME’s and local compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle both hands-on accounting and management responsibilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a lean structure and manage multiple priorities

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Accounting & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate accounting records and general ledgers for all three companies.
  • Prepare monthly management accounts & balance sheet reconciliations
  • Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closings.
  • Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Compliance & Statutory
  • Ensure compliance with IFRS for SME’s and all statutory requirements.
  • Manage and process VAT, PAYE, 501 recons, WCA submissions and other statutory returns to SARS & other related entities.
  • Liaise with external auditors during audits and ensure audit readiness.
  • Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across the group.
• Financial Management & Operations
  • Oversee and assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable.
  • Managing and processing of payroll.
  • Assist with monitoring and managing cash flow, working capital, and liquidity.
  • Review supplier and customer reconciliations, ensuring accuracy.
  • Implement and improve financial systems, processes, and reporting standards across companies.
  • Support operational teams with financial insights for decision-making.
• Team Support & Leadership (growing into FM role)
  • Supervise and guide junior finance staff (Bookkeepers/Clerks).
  • Review the work of team members and provide feedback for accuracy and compliance.
  • Assist in developing team capabilities and promoting best practices.
  • Take responsibility for overseeing the finance function in the CFO’s absence
• Competencies & Attributes
  • Hands-on and proactive approach.
  • Commercially minded with strong financial acumen.
  • High levels of integrity and professional ethics.
  • Adaptable, flexible, and able to work across multiple companies.
  • Eager to grow into a leadership role within finance.
• Key Relationships
  • Internal: CFO, Business Owners, Operational Managers, Finance/Admin staff.
  • External: Auditors, banks, SARS, suppliers, and customers

In return a competitive salary is on offer.