Senior Financial Analyst - Insurance Operations

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,020,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Remote work

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst in Bloemfontein to join our dedicated finance team. The role focuses on budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and variance analysis to support strategic decisions and ensure financial health.

The position offers fully remote work from anywhere in South Africa, collaboration with department heads, and opportunities to influence financial planning and performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related quantitative field.
• CFA or CA (SA) certification is highly valued.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, or accounting.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and modeling.
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced MS Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas).

Responsibilities

• Prepare/analyse monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow).
• Develop and manage annual budget process with department heads.
• Conduct variance analysis between actuals and forecasts/budgets.
• Assist in developing financial forecasts and long-term plans.
• Provide financial support for new initiatives and strategic projects.
• Analyse key metrics to identify trends and improvements.
• Ensure accuracy/integrity of financial data and reporting systems.
• Support audits with documentation and explanations.
• Improve financial processes and reporting efficiency.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics

CFA or CA (SA) certification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable insurance organization based in Bloemfontein, is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst to join their dedicated finance team. This role is integral to providing insightful financial analysis, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of the company. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of financial principles within the insurance sector. You will be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and variance analysis, playing a key part in the financial planning and performance management of the business. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a stable organization in Bloemfontein and advance your finance career.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Develop and manage the annual budget process, working collaboratively with various department heads.
• Conduct variance analysis, investigating discrepancies between actual results and budgeted/forecasted figures.
• Assist in the development of financial forecasts and long-term financial plans.
• Provide financial support and analysis for new business initiatives, product launches, and strategic projects.
• Analyze key financial metrics and performance indicators, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data and reporting systems.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve financial processes and reporting efficiency.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Professional certifications such as CFA or CA (SA) are highly regarded.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, or accounting, preferably within the insurance or financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, complex formulas).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information effectively.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and organizational skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund contribution.
• As this is a fully remote position, you will benefit from the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are readily available within the organization.
• Join a supportive team in Bloemfontein and contribute to a company that values financial discipline and strategic growth.