Junior Financial Accountant

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund contributions

Structured training program

Mentorship

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Junior Financial Accountant for their Soweto, Gauteng office. This entry-level role supports the finance department with journal entries, reconciliations, AP/AR processing, and month-end close tasks, offering hands-on mentorship from senior accountants.

Ideal candidates have a newly completed degree or diploma in accounting/finance, strong Excel skills, and a keen eye for detail. The role provides comprehensive training and a clear pathway to build a career in banking

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; equivalent diploma also considered.
• 0–2 years in accounting or finance; internships or relevant experience welcomed.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and financial statements.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and familiarity with accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial statements and reports.
• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable accurately and timely.
• Perform bank reconciliations and balance-sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Support internal and external audit processes with documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies and procedures.
• Maintain organized financial records and filing systems.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting as needed.
• Support senior accountants and the financial controller with ad-hoc tasks.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Quick learner

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

National Diploma in Accounting

Tools

Accounting software

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing financial services institution, is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Financial Accountant to support their finance department in Soweto, Gauteng. This entry-level position is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or individuals with limited experience to build a career in accounting within the dynamic banking and finance sector. The successful candidate will assist with various accounting tasks, including journal entries, reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable processing, and supporting the month-end close process. This role requires a full-time commitment at our Soweto, Gauteng office, providing hands-on experience and direct mentorship from senior accounting professionals. You will play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of daily financial operations. This is an ideal stepping stone for aspiring accountants looking to gain practical experience in a supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial statements and reports.
• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Perform bank reconciliations and other balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger.
• Assist with the month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Support internal and external audit processes by providing requested documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies and procedures.
• Maintain organized financial records and filing systems.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting activities as needed.
• Support the Senior Accountants and Financial Controller with ad-hoc accounting tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A relevant qualification such as a National Diploma in Accounting is also considered.
• 0-2 years of experience in an accounting or finance role. Internships or relevant work experience will be highly regarded.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial statements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (basic functions, data entry).
• Familiarity with accounting software is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and take on new responsibilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Eagerness to develop a career in the Banking & Finance industry.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary.
• Opportunities for professional development and study assistance towards professional qualifications.
• Structured training program and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Medical aid and pension fund contributions.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment in Soweto, Gauteng.
• Exposure to diverse financial operations within the banking sector.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization upon performance review.