The Group Financial Accountant is responsible for managing and consolidating the financial accounts of the group, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. This role involves overseeing group-wide financial processes, maintaining compliance with accounting standards, and providing strategic financial insights to support senior management. The Group Financial Accountant plays a crucial role in the preparation of financial statements, managing audits, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes across the group.
Roles And Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Consolidation:
- Prepare and consolidate group financial statements in accordance with IFRS/GAAP
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the group
- Coordinate preparation of balance sheet reconciliations for each entity including and report movements on an entity and group level
- Coordinate with subsidiary finance teams to gather financial data and ensure consistency across the group
- Manage bank reconciliations on a monthly basis for all entities ensuring all accounts are reconciled
Statutory Accounts & Compliance:
- Prepare statutory accounts for the group and ensure compliance with local and international accounting standards
- Liaise with external auditors during annual audits, ensuring smooth audit processes and timely resolution of audit queries across the group
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in accounting standards
Intercompany and CAPEX Accounting:
- Manage intercompany transactions, reconciliations, and eliminations to ensure accurate group consolidation
- Ensure that all intercompany balances are accurately reported and reconciled on a monthly basis
- Ensure accurate recording of company CAPEX in accordance with IFRS
- Review monthly CAPEX spend ensuring correct depreciation / amortisation rates are applied
- Regular reviews of impairment of assets and items no longer required / exist
- Maintain group intangible and tangible Assets register and reconciliation
Cash Flow & Treasury Management:
- Assist in managing group cash flow, including cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
Process Improvement & Automation:
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation within the group finance function
- Lead or participate in projects to enhance financial systems, reporting tools, and processes to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Lead group wide implementation of new accounting standards
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with other departments (e.g., Tax, Treasury, Legal) to ensure financial objectives are aligned and achieved
- Act as a key financial advisor to business units, providing guidance on financial implications of business decisions
Requirements
Core Competencies
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements
- Proven experience in financial consolidation, reporting, and analysis
- Experience in managing audits and liaising with external auditors
- Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems, with advanced Excel skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high degree of professionalism
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong detail and deadline orientation
Behavioral Skills
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to senior management and other stakeholders
- Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide strategic recommendations
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial reporting and analysis
- Problem Solving: Proactive problem-solving abilities, capable of identifying issues and implementing effective solutions
- Adaptability: Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams across different regions
- Integrity: Upholds the highest ethical standards, demonstrating transparency, honesty, and accountability in all financial dealings
- Proactive: Takes initiative in driving process improvements and identifying areas for financial optimization
- Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines
Technical Competencies/Skills
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, with Advanced Excel
Education
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent certification preferred.
Experience
At least 5 years of relevant accounting/finance experience
Licenses and certifications
CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent
Physical demand and working conditions
Professional office environment
Ability to travel regionally and internationally
Benefits
Pension Fund
Medical Aid