Senior Management Accountant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid benefits

Pension fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent public sector entity in Bloemfontein to recruit a Senior Management Accountant. The role centers on in-depth financial analysis, management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial support to drive efficiency and informed decision-making.

The successful candidate will lead cost analysis, build financial models, and improve internal controls while mentoring junior staff and liaising with auditors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA or ACCA is essential.
• Minimum 5 years in management accounting or financial analysis; public sector experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of management accounting principles and techniques; advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze detailed management accounts and financial reports.
• Lead the annual budget preparation and monitor performance vs. budget.
• Conduct variance analysis and identify key drivers for management insights.
• Develop and maintain cost accounting systems and profitability analysis.
• Support strategic initiatives with financial modeling and business cases.
• Implement and improve financial processes and internal controls.
• Assist in year-end financial statements and liaise with auditors.
• Provide financial training to non-financial managers.
• Oversee and mentor junior accounting staff.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and reporting standards.

Skills

Management accounting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Financial modeling

Excel

ERP systems (Oracle, SAP)

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CA(SA) / CIMA / ACCA or equivalent

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent public sector entity (non-governmental) based in Bloemfontein, is seeking a dedicated Senior Management Accountant. This vital role focuses on providing in-depth financial analysis, management reporting, and strategic financial support to drive operational efficiency and informed decision-making. The Senior Management Accountant will be instrumental in budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and performance management. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a significant organization dedicated to public service and development in Bloemfontein, Free State. The position requires a hands-on approach and a strong commitment to financial stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze detailed management accounts, financial reports, and performance dashboards.
• Lead the annual budget preparation process and monitor ongoing financial performance against budget.
• Conduct variance analysis, identifying key drivers and providing actionable insights to management.
• Develop and maintain cost accounting systems and analyze product/service profitability.
• Support strategic initiatives through financial modeling and business case development.
• Implement and improve financial processes and internal controls.
• Assist in the preparation of year-end financial statements and liaise with external auditors.
• Provide financial training and support to non-financial managers.
• Oversee and mentor junior accounting staff within the management accounting team.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and reporting standards.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, or ACCA is essential.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in management accounting or financial analysis, with experience in a public sector or similar entity preferred.
• Strong knowledge of management accounting principles and techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required; experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) is a strong advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, able to convey financial information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.
• Must be a resident of South Africa and able to work from our Bloemfontein office.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, generous leave provisions, medical aid benefits, and a pension fund. Opportunities for professional development and further training are available. This role provides a chance to make a meaningful contribution to public service in Bloemfontein and offers stability and career growth within a respected organization.