Operational Accountant

Communicate Recruitment; George; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Communicate Recruitment is seeking an Operational Accountant to own the full finance function within a busy business unit in George.

You will manage budgets, monthly reporting, controls, and payroll review, driving accuracy and timely insights for decision-making. The role requires hands-on, detail-oriented professionals with strong Excel skills and a proactive approach.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or finance administration.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, budgeting, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Must be highly accurate with attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Excel proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the full finance function, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and accountability.
• Partner with business leadership to manage budgets and support strategic decision‑making.
• Drive the annual OPEX and CAPEX budgeting process and monitor expenditure against approved budgets.
• Analyse monthly management accounts and provide meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Oversee procurement, accounts payable, and expenditure controls to ensure policy compliance.
• Manage and monitor the debtor's book, collections process, and revenue tracking.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations, journals, and month‑end reporting requirements.
• Monitor project and operational budgets to ensure effective cost control and financial oversight.
• Review payroll information and identify anomalies or concerns for management consideration.
• Train and support staff on financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Act as the key finance liaison between the business unit and shared services functions, ensuring seamless financial operations.

Skills

Excel

Attention to detail

Time management

Analytical skills

Education

Grade 12

Bookkeeping Diploma

Accounting qualification

Job description

Brief Description:

Are you the type of finance professional who treats every number as your responsibility, follows through on commitments, and holds yourself to exceptionally high standards? Our client is seeking a highly accountable and detail-oriented Operational Accountant to take ownership of the full finance function within a busy business unit.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being the go-to person for finance, thrives in a hands‑on role, and takes pride in ensuring that financial processes, controls, reporting, and budgets are managed with accuracy and integrity.

This is a broad and rewarding role that requires an individual who is proactive, highly organised, and committed to delivering accurate financial information that supports informed business decisions.

Job Description:

• Take ownership of the full finance function, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and accountability.
• Partner with business leadership to manage budgets and support strategic decision‑making.
• Drive the annual OPEX and CAPEX budgeting process and monitor expenditure against approved budgets.
• Analyse monthly management accounts and provide meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Oversee procurement, accounts payable, and expenditure controls to ensure policy compliance.
• Manage and monitor the debtor's book, collections process, and revenue tracking.
• Ensure the accurate administration and reconciliation of discounts, concessions, and billing activities.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations, journals, and month‑end reporting requirements.
• Monitor project and operational budgets to ensure effective cost control and financial oversight.
• Review payroll information and identify anomalies or concerns for management consideration.
• Train and support staff on financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Act as the key finance liaison between the business unit and shared services functions, ensuring seamless financial operations.

Skills & Experience:

• 7 to 10 years' experience in a bookkeeping, accounting, or finance administration role.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, budgeting, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering quality work.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to take ownership of outcomes and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong Excel

Qualification:

• Grade 12 (essential).
• Bookkeeping Diploma or relevant financial qualification advantageous.
• Accounting and bookkeeping experience essential.