Group Accountant: Financial Reporting (12 month Fixed Term Contract)

Sanlam Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Group Financial Accountant to manage financial reporting processes. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience, expertise in IFRS, and strong analytical skills. This role involves interaction with external auditors and a commitment to producing timely and accurate financial results. The company is dedicated to diversity and growth, making it an exciting workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a group reporting environment is required.
• Extensive financial accounting experience in complex technical environments.
• Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage financial reports in compliance with IFRS.
• Interact with external auditors regularly.
• Produce consolidated financial results for management reports.

Skills

Advanced IFRS technical knowledge

Strong numeracy and analytical skills

Good communication skills

Critical thinking skills

Education

CA (SA)

Tools

Advanced Excel

Onestream

Job description

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA

This career opportunity is available at Santam’s Corporate Services in the Financial Management department. The role is based in Bellville, Cape Town.

The Group Financial Accountant will be part of the financial management function of the Santam group, with significant focus on IFRS technical accounting, consolidation and reporting of the group’s results. It will include a variety of routine and non-routine accounting functions.

This function encompasses both externally directed financial reporting to shareholders and the Board and internally focused reporting with regards to management reports. The objective will be the production of timely and accurate consolidated financial results to be included in management reports, statutory financial statements and reports on the overall consolidated financial results for the Santam Group of Companies. It also includes regular interaction with external auditors and the preparation of IFRS technical memos. Duties would be approximately 40% review/management and 60% own preparation of working papers.

What will make you successful in this role?

• An interest in both routine and non-routine tasks.
• Ability to reperform working papers with minimal coaching.
• Strict adherence to deadlines.
• Appreciation for even the simplest procedures being important.
• Willing to invest personal time.
• Ability to navigate multiple data sources and to dig for information yourself.
• Advanced IFRS technical knowledge.

Qualification and Experience

• CA (SA)
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a group reporting environment is required.
• Extensive financial accounting experience in complex technical environments.
• Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive and extensive knowledge of IFRS, including insurance accounting.
• Insurance Act, Companies Act.
• Tax knowledge.
• Computer literate (Advanced Excel).
• Knowledge of and experience with Onestream would be highly advantageous.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• Pro‑active, results‑orientated and deadline driven.
• Skill to operate within a high‑pressure environment.
• Critical thinking skills and an eye for detail.
• Problem solving.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Core Competencies

• Being resilient
• Collaborates
• Cultivates innovation
• Customer focus
• Drives results

About The Company

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short‑term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro‑inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!