Principal Specialist, Global Technical Accounting Policy

NTT Ltd.; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leading company is seeking a Principal Specialist to establish and lead a global function for accounting policy governance. This role will involve developing accounting frameworks and providing expert advisory across IFRS and local GAAPs. Ideal candidates will possess extensive technical accounting experience and strategic thinking abilities to influence global finance practices.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule

Global travel opportunities

Remote work options

Qualifications

• 10+ years of technical accounting experience in multinational organizations.
• Experience with IFRS and multiple local GAAP frameworks.
• Proven ability to develop and implement global accounting policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global accounting manual.
• Lead a centralized function for technical accounting guidance.
• Conduct technical research and prepare accounting memos.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

CPA, CA, ACCA or equivalent certification

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Job title : Principal Specialist, Global Technical Accounting Policy

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg Deadline : July 18, 2025 Quick Recommended Links

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Your day at NTT DATA

• We are seeking a dynamic and experienced accounting leader to establish and lead a newly created global function focused on accounting standardization, technical guidance, and policy governance. Reporting to the Senior Director, Finance Transformation, this role will be responsible for developing a global accounting policy framework, building a Center of Excellence for technical accounting matters, and providing expert advisory across IFRS, U.S. GAAP, and local GAAPs.
• The ideal candidate is a technical expert and strategic thinker who can operate at both the policy and operational level, working cross-functionally with global finance, legal, tax, and audit teams. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of accounting governance and elevate technical accounting capabilities across a multinational enterprise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global accounting manual to standardize policies and procedures across all regions.
• Implement a governance model for accounting policy changes and compliance tracking.
• Partner with regional finance teams and controllers to roll out global accounting policies effectively.
• Lead a centralized function that serves as the company’s primary resource for technical accounting guidance.
• Develop best-practice accounting templates, tools, and guidance materials for global finance teams.
• Provide on-demand advisory for accounting treatments, structuring transactions, and addressing complex financial reporting issues.
• Conduct technical research and assess the impact of IFRS and local GAAP differences across key jurisdictions.
• Prepare and maintain technical accounting memos and whitepapers to support conclusions.
• Monitor updates from IASB, FASB, PCAOB, and local standards to provide training and thought leadership to regional finance teams and senior leaders.
• Establish an accounting governance framework to ensure policy adherence and consistency.
• Partner with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and industry bodies to maintain best-in-class accounting standards.
• Lead quarterly technical accounting updates for the global finance organization.
• Support M&A due diligence and integration, providing accounting expertise on deal structures and post-merger / divestment accounting considerations.
• Collaborate with finance transformation teams to enhance reporting efficiencies through technology and automation.

KNOWLEDGE & ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive global standardization in accounting practices.
• Excellent technical research skills with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters to non-accountants.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills across cultures and geographies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic global environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and maintains high quality of work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skill.
• Display excellent planning and organizing ability.
• Deadline driven with ability to cope with stressful situations.
• Able to deal with different individuals at all levels in the organization.
• Takes own initiative and have a solutions-orientated approach.
• Proactive approach with the ability to think ahead in a fast-paced environment.
• Broad analytical skills, and an ability to understand underlying business drivers and provide actionable insights based on analysis.
• Broad knowledge and prior exposure to international entities, foreign currency and inter-company transactions.
• Able to work in a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite of products (Outlook, Powerpoint, Word)

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent certification required.
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of technical accounting experience, with a mix of public accounting (Big 4 preferred) and corporate accounting in a multinational organization.
• Deep IFRS expertise with the ability to research and as well as multiple local GAAP frameworks across regions (e.g., Europe, APAC, Africa, LATAM).
• Strong track record of developing and implementing global accounting policies in a decentralized or multi-entity business structure.
• Experience working in highly regulated industries (e.g., financial services, healthcare, technology) is a plus.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and influence decision-making.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Remain stationary for long periods of time.
• Operate computer, peripherals, and other office equipment.
• Primarily sitting with some walking, standing, and bending.
• Able to hear and speak into a telephone.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate any required to operate computer keyboard, mouse, and other technical instruments
• Availability across global time zones.

WORK CONDITIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Applies broad expertise and knowledge in highly specialized fields or several related disciplines.
• Leads and contributes to the development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals creatively and effectively.
• Recognized internally as a subject matter expert, working on significant and unique issues requiring evaluation of intangibles.
• Focuses on providing thought leadership and works on projects requiring an understanding of wider business implications.
• Requires conceptual thinking and analysis to develop solutions with long-term impacts.
• Advises and conveys advanced information, persuading diverse stakeholders / audiences.
• Creates formal networks involving coordination among groups.
• Translates functional vision into plans for a discipline and guides their execution.
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Accountable for own or team results, impacting the entire function.
• May direct the activities of project teams.
• This position is expected to be remote with occasional onsite requirements.
• Must have a flexible work schedule to accommodate global business hours.
• Global Travel required, up to 20%.
• Perform work from a remote location with stable internet connection.