Forensic Accountant at Financial Intelligence Centre

Financial Intelligence Centre; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A national financial oversight agency in South Africa is seeking a Forensic Accountant to apply technical expertise in financial investigations. The successful candidate will leverage analytical skills to interpret complex financial information, assist in legal proceedings, and ensure compliance with relevant laws. A strong educational background in accounting and at least six years of relevant experience are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• At least six years' experience in a relevant field.
• Working experience in financial accounting and information analysis.
• Comprehensive grasp of laws and regulations pertaining to evidence.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and present complex financial information for criminal investigations.
• Identify patterns and connections in financial data.
• Assist in legal proceedings by testifying in court.

Skills

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Problem-solving skills

Reporting skills

Presentation skills

Education

Honours in BCom Accounting or Forensic Accounting or B Compt

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Data analysis applications

Job description

Forensic Accountant at Financial Intelligence Centre

Apply technical expertise in the interpretation and presentation of complex financial information in order to aid criminal investigations, the recovery of proceeds of crime, criminal prosecutions or medium‑term decisions.

Key Performance Areas

• Analyse, interpret, summarise, and present complex financial information and relevant data in a manner that is both understandable and properly supported.
• Identify and investigate patterns and connections between situations that are not necessarily routine or obviously interlinked and verbalise key findings to the relevant forums.
• Determine relevance and completeness of information or evidence and identify gaps.
• Perform various calculations including income and losses; transaction summaries; tracing of source and destination of funds, tracing of assets; performing present value calculations utilising appropriate rates.
• Utilise computerised applications such as a spreadsheet, database or computer model and utilise charts and graphics to explain findings.
• Investigate and contextualise financial information/evidence in support of law enforcement efforts by capturing findings and conclusions in the required reporting format and systems and submit investigation outcomes, trends and recommendations as prescribed by relevant policies and procedures.
• Conduct analysis within acceptable quality norms required.
• Facilitate the handing over of intelligence/evidence to designated authorities.
• Assist in legal proceedings, including testifying in court regarding forensic report findings and prepare visual aids to substantiate findings.
• Plan and manage personal outputs with limited supervision and interact with team members.
• Execute tasks expeditiously and within set action plans and time frames.
• Participate in transfer of skills to team members.
• Review and guide the work of team members.
• Assist in compiling reports and case studies for training purposes and benchmarking.
• Advises management of financial intelligence issues and challenges as appropriate.
• Represent the organisation at working groups, meetings, conferences, and seminars when required.

Education, Skills and Experience

• Honours in BCom Accounting or Forensic Accounting or B Compt.
• At least six years’ experience in a relevant field.
• Working experience in financial accounting and information analysis, forensics, or internal auditing preferred.
• Comprehensive grasp of laws, regulations, and legal precedents pertaining to evidence.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting and auditing standards, facilitating proficient financial investigations.
• Proficient in utilizing a diverse range of investigative techniques to gather vital information.
• Familiarity with principles and methodologies of forensic investigations across different contexts.
• Thorough understanding of pertinent legislation, encompassing Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law of Evidence, and associated statutes.
• Sound understanding of the legal framework within the public sector, including PFMA, MFMA, Treasury Regulations, and other applicable Treasury directives.
• Required experience in the collection, application, and use of relevant information in order to substantiate deductions and findings an advantage.
• Working knowledge of data analysis applications, tools, and systems.
• Sound knowledge and experience using the Microsoft Office suite and Excel is a prerequisite.
• Anti‑Money Laundering training will be an added advantage.
• Analytical, investigative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Reporting and presentation skills.

Technical Competencies

• Data Governance, Compliance and Ethics
• Data Literacy
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Insights and Reporting
• Data Quality
• Data Requirements Identification
• Data Stewardship
• Data Visualisation and Presentation