Senior Financial Accountant

University Of Fort Hare; Durban North; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is urgently seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. The successful candidate will have 5–8 years of accounting experience, with significant expertise in the retail or FMCG sectors. Responsibilities include preparing financial statements, managing cash flow forecasts, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. A strong background in cost accounting and proficiency in ERP systems are essential. This role offers an exciting opportunity to enhance operational efficiency within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years' experience in accounting, with at least 3 years in a senior role.
• Experience in a retail, FMCG, or butchery/manufacturing environment (essential).
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting under IFRS.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS.
• Monitor key financial indicators such as gross margins and stock variances.
• Liaise with external auditors and prepare audit files.

Skills

Accounting experience

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Financial controls

Advanced Excel skills

Experience with ERP systems

Tools

Pastel Evolution

Sage

Syspro

Job description

We are urgently looking for a Senior Financial Accountant who is immediately available to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial information while supporting strategic decision-making to improve profitability and operational efficiency within the retail and butchery environment.

Qualifications & Experience : Minimum 5–8 years' experience in accounting, with at least 3 years in a senior role .

Experience in a retail, FMCG, or butchery / manufacturing environment (essential).

Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and financial controls .

Proficient in Pastel Evolution / Sage / Syspro or similar ERP systems.

Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations) Key Responsibilities : Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS and company policies.

Review and consolidate branch financial reports and ensure all transactions are recorded accurately.

Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring proper allocation of costs and revenues.

Monitor key financial indicators such as gross margins, stock variances, and cost of sales per outlet.

Prepare and present management reports with variance analysis and recommendations.

Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and rolling forecasts.

Track budget performance against actual results and highlight discrepancies.

Support cost control initiatives to optimise profitability at store and production levels.

Oversee stock control and valuation processes for meat, packaging, and consumables.

Ensure accurate cost of sales reporting, including production yields and wastage monitoring.

Work closely with procurement and operations to ensure proper costing of new products and promotions.

Ensure compliance with SARS (VAT, PAYE, Income Tax), CIPC, and other statutory requirements.

Liaise with external auditors and prepare audit files.

Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.

Must have experience in Journals, GL recons.

Management accounts.

Deals with the auditors & 7 employees in finance.

Manage cash flow forecasting and branch banking reconciliations.

Review daily sales reports and