Senior Financial Accountant

Fruitways; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agri-business in South Africa is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to join their dynamic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and managing various financial processes. This includes general ledger reporting, debtors control, and cashflow management. The ideal candidate should have a relevant diploma or degree, three years of relevant experience, and excellent skills in Excel and accounting software.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar role.
• SAICA/SAIPA articles advantageous.
• Proven understanding of accounting principles and policies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate integration of financial data into the accounting system.
• Prepare and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations in line with company policies.
• Administer the Forward Exchange Contract (FEC) policy for foreign currency fruit sales.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Professional written communication skills

Professional verbal communication skills

Ability to work accurately and meet deadlines

Education

3 Year diploma/degree

Postgraduate degree

Tools

Sage 300

Accounting packages

Job description

Fruitways is a leading agri-business in South Africa. We specialise in the growing, packing and marketing of apples and pears to retailers, traders and wholesalers around the globe.

SENIOR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT

We have an exciting opportunity for a Financial Accountant to join our dynamic team.
The ideal candidate needs to be a proactive individual who is focused on producing accurate, detail-orientated work.
A self-motivated individual who can work independently and manage their own time and workload effectively.
Excellent communication skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, you will work at the Fruitways Marketing Office in Somerset West.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the finance team, you will play a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and reporting standards.

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate integration of financial data into the accounting system.
• Reconcile intercompany transactions and loans.
• Prepare and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations in line with company policies.
• Process standard and adjusting journal entries and distribute monthly general ledger reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Implement and monitor financial control processes to identify risks and improve efficiency.
• Review and report on exceptions in Creditors Control, Debtors Control, and Bank Reconciliations.
• Support the finance team with ad-hoc projects and initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation and review of draft management accounts and forecasts, contributing to the accuracy of monthly reporting packs.

Debtors Control

• Monitor and analyse age analysis reports in accordance with the credit policy, and report deviations weekly.
• Develop and maintain reporting frameworks for weekly and monthly debtors and risk reports.
• Manage the credit insurance process and continuously improve debtor risk management.

Grower Payments & Season Closure

• Assist in reviewing and monitoring the pooling process and grower payment calculations for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain controls and procedures to ensure accurate season-end reconciliations.
• Manage the season audit and review process.

Cashflow & Forex Management

• Administer the Forward Exchange Contract (FEC) policy for foreign currency fruit sales.
• Maintain and enhance cashflow forecasting models and reporting frameworks.
• Develop financial processes that support cashflow planning and management.
• Review, approve, and release EFT payments, and ensure the accuracy of petty cash and credit card transactions

Requirements:

• 3 Year diploma/degree (postgraduate degree highly advantageous)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in similar role
• SAICA/SAIPA articles advantageous
• Advanced Excel
• Proven understanding of accounting principles and policies
• Ability to work accurately and meet deadlines
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Sage 300 or similar accounting package

The Fruitways Group's employment equity requirements will be considered in evaluating candidates. By submitting your application, you are giving The Fruitways Group implicit consent to the storage and processing of your personal information.