Financial and Cost Accountant

Adams & Adams; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent legal firm is seeking a Financial and Cost Accountant to manage financial data accuracy and compliance. The role involves overseeing core accounting functions, contributing to budgeting, and preparing audit documentation. Ideal candidates will possess a BCom Accounting or equivalent, with a minimum of eight years’ experience in a similar professional services environment. The firm seeks someone with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and advanced proficiency in financial tools, notably Microsoft Excel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a legal or professional services environment.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in financial cost accounting.
• Advanced proficiency in financial reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial system processes related to billing and revenue recognition.
• Prepare audit files and supporting documentation for external auditors.
• Assist in the development and consolidation of the annual budget.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

BCom Accounting or equivalent postgraduate qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Aderant (CMS)

Job description

The Financial and Cost Accountant is a key member of the finance team, responsible for ensuring the

accuracy, integrity, and strategic value of financial data within the firm. Operating at a middle

management level, the incumbent will oversee core accounting functions, contribute to financial

planning and analysis, and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

This role requires a strong understanding of financial systems, cost accounting principles, and the

operational dynamics of a legal or professional services environment. The ideal candidate will

demonstrate high levels of analytical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the financial system processes related to billing and revenue recognition, ensuring timely and accurate closure of billing cycles.
• Maintain and update financial structures such as cost centres and profit centres to support effective reporting and analysis.
• Manage the chart of accounts to ensure it remains consistent, accurate, and aligned with organizational reporting requirements and financial controls.
• Monitor system to ensure all transactions are posted daily.
• Prepare complete sets of monthly management accounts with supporting schedules.
• Compile and maintain month-end reconciliation files.
• Prepare the monthly fees report, ensuring accurate billing and promptly identifying any variances or discrepancies.
• Produce ad hoc financial and operational reports to support decision-making.
• Review allocation of monthly actuals versus budget into support service templates and prepare variance analyses.
• Review and analyse management accounts for subsidiary entities.

Audit and Year-End Reporting

• Prepare audit files and supporting documentation for external auditors.
• Coordinate the collection and submission of audit-related information across departments.
• Assist in the preparation and review of annual financial statements in accordance with applicable standards.

Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and submit monthly VAT returns and respond to related audits.
• Complete and submit STATSSA reports as required.
• Generate and present BBBEE management reports.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Assist in the development and consolidation of the annual budget.
• Monitor and update income statement budget rollouts.
• Conduct weekly petty cash counts and approve reconciliations.

Operational and Ad Hoc Duties

• Act as Commissioner of Oaths for internal documentation.
• Assist with screening and onboarding of new AP vendors; maintain and update vendor records.
• Submit SARS e-filing for transfer duty payments.

Requirements

Skills and knowledge

• Proven experience in a legal or professional services environment (essential).
• Exposure to multi-currency accounting and reporting.
• Strong background in management accounting and cost control.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage high volumes of decentralized billing data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to work independently.
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities.
• Effective team leadership and collaboration skills.
• Aderant (CMS) experience will be beneficial.
• Clear criminal and credit history (must be disclosed upfront)

Qualifications and Experience

• BCom Accounting or equivalent postgraduate qualification such as SAICA / ACCA / SAIPA.
• Completed articles.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in financial cost accounting, preferably within a legal or professional services firm