Group Financial Accountant

Santam Insurance; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Santam Insurance in Cape Town seeks a Group Financial Accountant to join the finance team and contribute to financial accounting, management and statutory reporting for the Santam group. The role involves a mix of routine and non-routine tasks while coordinating with stakeholders.

The position focuses on IFRS and statutory compliance, month-end close, reconciliations, and supporting internal and external audits, with opportunities to grow in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• CA (SA) or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 5–7 years financial services experience.
• Financial accounting and reporting experience in complex technical environments.
• Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Participate in financial accounting, management and statutory reporting for the Santam group.
• Produce timely and accurate financial results for the general ledger and consolidation system.
• Support month-end activities, account reconciliations, internal controls and audits.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Deadline driven

Adaptability

Education

CA (SA) or equivalent

Tools

JD Edwards

Hyperion Financial Management

Advanced Excel

Job description

What will you do?

The Group Financial Accountant will participate in the financial accounting, management and statutory reporting function of the Santam group. The role includes a variety of routine and non-routine tasks, of varying difficulty, as well as managing stakeholders, information contributors and processes.

The function encompasses both externally directed financial reporting to shareholders and the Board as well as internally focused financial accounting and reporting with regards to management reports. It includes the production of timely and accurate financial results in the general ledger and consolidation system for inclusion in management reports, statutory financial statements and reports on the overall consolidated financial results for the Santam Group of Companies. It also includes supporting key activities such as month‑end activities, account reconciliations, implementing and monitoring internal financial controls and supporting both internal and external audits.

What will make you successful in this role?

• An interest in both routine and non-routine tasks.
• An appreciation of the value of, and enthusiasm for, seemingly simple/mundane tasks or controls.
• Strict adherence to deadlines.
• Willingness to invest personal time.
• Ability to navigate multiple data sources and dig for information yourself.
• Ability to understand and properly respond to queries from various stakeholders.
• Willingness to grow and learn.
• Good IFRS technical knowledge.

Qualification and experience

• CA (SA) or similar qualification.
• Minimum 5 – 7 years financial services experience.
• Financial accounting and reporting experience in complex technical environments.
• Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous.

Knowledge and skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of IFRS, including insurance accounting.
• Insurance Act, Companies Act.
• Tax knowledge.
• Computer literate (Advanced Excel).
• Knowledge of and experience with JD Edwards and/or Hyperion Financial Management would be highly advantageous.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• Pro‑active, results‑orientated and deadline driven.
• Skill to operate in 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.

Personal attributes

• Drives results.
• Takes ownership.
• Client focus.
• Flexibility, adaptability and resilience.
• Cultivates innovation.
• Analytical thinking.
• Data analysis.
• Critical thinking.