Financial Accountant

Unifi; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading African fintech company based in Stellenbosch is seeking a Financial Accountant to ensure the accuracy of financial records. The role involves preparing financial statements, managing intercompany transactions, and contributing to cash flow management. Candidates should have an accounting degree, solid IFRS knowledge, and proficiency in Xero. This position supports a dynamic finance team focused on excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• Solid working knowledge of IFRS required.
• Experience supporting or managing junior staff is a plus.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with IFRS and local regulations.
• Prepare financial statements and management reports.
• Manage supplier payments and accounting records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Xero

Strong Excel skills

Collaborative and adaptable

Education

Accounting degree or CIMA qualification

Tools

Xero

Fathom

Job description

About Unifi

Unifi is redefining credit in Africa with simple, fast personal loans delivered through online, mobile and branch channels. We make life easy for thousands of clients across Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and, soon, Tanzania. Unifi has conviction in the African continent and its people, and our products enable our clients to achieve even more. As one of the fastest-growing lenders in East Africa, we combine exceptional client service with the very best tech and data analytics.

Learn More About Unifi At

www.unifi.credit/about

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUrwaPmzU5E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl32BzxAHfA&t=26s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gf1ZiFpfSc&t=188s

Role Purpose

The Financial Accountant ensures the integrity and accuracy of Unifi Africa’s financial records by maintaining compliance with IFRS, group accounting policies, and local regulations. This role drives the timely preparation of financial statements, reconciliations, and management reports, while supporting intercompany transactions, audits, and budget processes across all subsidiaries. It also contributes to cash flow management and the development of junior finance staff, ensuring continuity of key finance operations during the fixed-term maternity cover period.

Responsibilities

• Identify, capture, and process intercompany transactions.


• Maintain all accounting records in line with IFRS and group accounting policies.


• Prepare annual audit files and notes, and review Annual Financial Statements (AFS).


• Assist with the preparation of Unifi Africa’s budgets and cash flow forecasts.


• Provide ad hoc support to subsidiary accountants as needed.


• Respond to internal and external audit queries and prepare supporting documentation.


• Process monthly accounting transactions in Xero for Unifi Africa.


• Manage supplier payments and petty cash controls.


• Handle intercompany billing and customer ledgers, and ensure accurate recharge to subsidiaries.


• Prepare intercompany and shareholders’ loan schedules.


• Maintain the fixed asset register and update insurance for new assets.


• Update income tax and deferred tax computations.


• Ensure accurate classification of expenses, monitor overheads, and maintain accrual accounts.


• Escalate uncleared or unusual differences older than 30 days to the Group Reporting Manager.


• Perform and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations for all accounts.


• Ensure sufficient supporting documents are attached to each reconciliation.


• Follow up on outstanding reconciling items and clear within 30 days.


• Escalate risks identified through balance sheet reviews to the Group Reporting Manager.


• Prepare monthly management accounts and expense analysis reports.


• Monitor daily clearing reports, subsidiary folders, and group account classifications.


• Perform VAT reconciliations.


• Assist with statutory and regulatory compliance for subsidiaries.


• Provide selected secretarial support and maintain accurate records for audits.


• Prepare and maintain annual budgets and monthly cash flow forecasts.


• Support cash flow management and currency reporting across the group.


• Monitor and manage the account's email inbox.


• Support subsidiary accountants with problem-solving and general queries.

Requirements

• Accounting degree or CIMA qualification.


• Solid working knowledge of IFRS and commercial accounting experience.


• Proficiency in Xero/Fathom (advantageous) and strong Excel/Google skills.


• High attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.


• Experience supporting or managing junior staff.


• Collaborative, adaptable, and willing to work within a diverse, Africa-focused finance team.