Senior Financial Analyst (Energy Markets) - Soweto

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst in Soweto, Gauteng. You will design and refine financial models for budgeting and forecasting, perform variance analysis, and present insights to senior management.

The role requires collaboration with multiple departments and a focus on strategic financial optimization within the energy sector. The successful candidate will bring 5+ years of experience, strong Excel and financial software proficiency, and excellent communication to influence

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in finance, accounting, or economics.
• Professional certifications (CFA/CA(SA)) desirable.
• 5+ years in financial analysis, corporate finance or related.
• Strong modeling, forecasting and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain complex financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
• Conduct variance analysis and explain discrepancies against targets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for senior management.
• Analyze market trends and industry benchmarks to guide strategies.
• Evaluate new business initiatives, capital projects, and investments.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Identify process improvements to boost financial operations efficiency.
• Track KPIs and ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulations.

Skills

Financial modelling

Forecasting

Budgeting

Advanced Excel

Critical thinking

Analytical mindset

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Power BI

Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic entity within the energy distribution sector , is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Financial Analyst to join their team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is vital for providing in-depth financial insights, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring robust financial planning and performance monitoring for the organization's operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial modeling skills, a deep understanding of financial principles, and experience within the energy industry or a related utility sector. You will play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and identifying opportunities for financial optimization. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the financial health and strategic growth of a key player in the regional energy landscape. The role requires dedicated on-site presence to collaborate effectively with finance and operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain complex financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
• Conduct thorough variance analysis, investigate discrepancies, and provide insights into financial performance against targets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and presentations for senior management.
• Analyze market trends, economic conditions, and industry benchmarks to inform financial strategies.
• Support the evaluation of new business initiatives, capital projects, and investment opportunities.
• Collaborate with various departments to gather financial data and ensure accuracy of reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations.
• Assist in the development and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and financial regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CFA or CA(SA) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, or a related role.
• Proven experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and management accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, macros) and financial software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Power BI).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly.
• Experience within the South African energy sector or utilities is a strong advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the finance function.
• Exposure to diverse financial challenges within the growing energy market in Soweto.