French Speaking Financial Accountant (Telco/Space Technology)

Black Pen Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global recruitment agency is looking for a French Speaking Financial Accountant to join their team in South Africa. This role involves preparing financial reports compliant with IFRS, ensuring adherence to accounting policies, and managing a financial assistant. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, an accounting qualification, and fluency in English and French. Strong organizational skills and experience in the telecommunications sector will be advantageous. This full-time position is based on-site in either Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification in a similar role.
• International OHADA experience is advantageous.
• Demonstrable expertise in implementing financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accurate financial reports compliant with IFRS and Syscoa.
• Ensuring adherence to the Group's Accounting Policies.
• Calculating and reconciling taxes and providing efficiency recommendations.
• Managing and developing a Financial Accounting Assistant.

Skills

Fluent in English and French

Proven experience in the telecommunication industry

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Analytical mind-set with attention to detail

Highly organised with excellent time management

Proficiency in Atlassian Jira, Confluence, Netsuite, Slack, Microsoft Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field

Accounting qualification from a recognised professional body (e.g. SAICA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems (SAGE PASTEL or Quickbooks)

IFRS and Syscoa experience

Job description

About the job

French Speaking Financial Accountant (Telco/Space Technology)

Our US based client provides operational and integration support for space technology companies in Africa. They specialise in operational and regulatory services for American space segment operators and space‑related technology companies. They are establishing their head office team in South Africa to manage ground operations and regulatory compliance in South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda, Gabon, Mozambique, and 27 other African countries.

Job Location: Cape Town / Johannesburg

Job Type: Full time / On‑site

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field.
• Accounting qualification from a recognised professional body (e.g. SAICA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA).
• Proven experience in ERP systems (SAGE PASTEL or Quickbooks).
• Fluent in English and French.
• Proven experience in the telecommunication industry.
• A minimum of 3 years post-qualification in a similar role preferably within a medium to large private sector organization.
• International OHADA experience from African countries and America is advantageous.
• Proven experience of financial reporting in accordance with SYSCOA experience preferably gained in the telecommunications sector.
• High level of proficiency in Atlassian Jira Confluence, Netsuite, Slack, and the Microsoft Suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an analytical mind‑set with attention to detail.
• Highly organised, excellent time management, planning and prioritisation, with a commitment to meeting deadlines in a time‑pressurised environment.
• Demonstrable expertise in implementing controls and processes with a risk management mind‑set.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accurate financial reports compliant with IFRS and Syscoa (for Gabon Operating Unit).
• Ensuring adherence to the Group's Accounting Policies Manual and contributing to policy enhancements.
• Delivering financial data to Group Finance within established timelines.
• Maintaining meticulous financial records, aligning with external audit requirements and accounting standards.
• Calculating and reconciling taxes, ensure compliance with statutory tax requirements, and provide tax efficiency recommendations.
• Implementing robust controls for managing Balance Sheet risks.
• Overseeing Opco fixed assets, maintaining the Fixed Asset Register, and conducting annual asset reviews.
• Efficiently managing cash from various sources with strict controls.
• Monitoring and optimising retail stock supplies.
• Precisely reconciling intercompany loans and funding.
• Managing and developing a Financial Accounting Assistant.
• Collaborating across functions to improve the control environment.
• Assisting the Finance Director with Ad Hoc projects.
• Preparing financial reports and statements.
• Managing invoicing and tracking expenses.
• Ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Collaborating with other departments to ensure financial documentation is coherent and complete.
• Assisting in budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Addressing financial queries from internal teams or clients.

Black Pen Recruitment is the leading recruitment agency worldwide with headquarters based in Malta (Europe) and Cape Town (South Africa).