Group Financial Accountant: General Ledger

Sanlam; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm in Cape Town is seeking a Group Financial Accountant to ensure the integrity of the general ledger. This role requires 5+ years in financial accounting and strong IFRS knowledge. The successful candidate will support key financial activities and be part of improvement initiatives within the group. Apply now to join a company dedicated to transformation and diversity.

Qualifications

• 5 years of work experience in a financial accounting environment.
• Experience in the insurance industry is required.
• Ability to explain accounting requirements to non-financial staff.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end activities and account reconciliations.
• Implement and monitor internal financial controls.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

IFRS technical knowledge

Strong numeracy and analytical skills

Pro-active and results-oriented

Good communication skills

Education

B Com Accounting or equivalent

CA (SA), CIMA or equivalent

Tools

JD Edwards

Advanced Excel

Job description

What will you do?

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 general ledger accounting, general ledger process improvement and optimisation. It will include a variety of routine and non-routine accounting functions, as well as managing both people and processes.

This position will be responsible for supporting key activities such as month-end, account reconciliations, implementing and monitoring internal financial controls and supporting both internal and external audits. The successful incumbent will participate in continuous improvement initiatives within the general ledger process area and proactively seek opportunities to improve service delivery to business stakeholders.

The purpose of the role is to ensure the integrity of the general ledger with the aim of enabling the provisioning of accurate and up-to-date financial reporting.

What will make you successful in this role?

• An interest in both routine and non-routine tasks.
• Ability to reperform with minimal coaching.
• Ability to explain accounting requirements to non-financial staff members and IT consultants.
• Strict adherence to deadlines.
• Appreciation for even the simplest procedures or control being important.
• Willingness to invest personal time.
• Ability to navigate multiple accounting systems and ability to dig for and verify information yourself.
• Strong IFRS technical knowledge.

Qualification and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification e.g. B Com Accounting or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a financial accounting environment is required.
• CA (SA), CIMA or equivalent qualification would be advantageous.
• Experience in the insurance industry.
• Experience working with JD Edwards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of IFRS (knowledge of insurance accounting would be advantageous).
• Insurance Act, Companies Act
• Computer literate (Advanced Excel)
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills
• Pro‑active, results‑orientated and deadline driven
• 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 - Contributing through others
• Collaborates - Contributing through others
• Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others
• Customer focus - Contributing through others
• Drives results - Contributing through others

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!