Maitland, Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 10/12/2025
A company within the engineering, procurement, construction and project management environment is seeking a Senior Project Accountant to ensure the integrity of financial data, cost control, and compliance with international accounting standards. The Senior Accountant will work closely with project managers, procurement and finance teams to ensure accurate financial management across complex, multi‑phase engineering projects. This is a full‑time in‑office opportunity.
The suitable candidate will oversee financial reporting, project accounting, and compliance within the EPCM business.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS/GAAP.
- Ensure accurate general ledger (GL) management, reconciliations, and financial close processes.
- Oversee tax compliance (VAT, corporate tax, withholding tax, etc.) and liaise with auditors.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal controls, and company policies.
- Monitor and report on work‑in‑progress (WIP), revenue recognition, and project profitability.
- Track and manage project costs, accruals, and variances, ensuring alignment with budgets.
- Collaborate with project managers to provide financial insights and control project expenditures.
- Support contract management by ensuring billing, claims, and cost recovery processes are accurate.
- Supervise and mentor a team of finance professionals, ensuring training, performance management, and career development.
- Assist in managing cash flow forecasting, working capital, and bank reconciliations.
- Oversee multi‑currency transactions and foreign exchange risk in international projects.
- Work with the finance team to optimise cash management strategies.
- Ensure timely processing of vendor invoices, payments, and collections.
- Monitor client billing cycles, payment terms, and credit risk to ensure a healthy cash flow.
- Resolve any discrepancies in supplier or client accounts in collaboration with relevant teams.
- Ensure the accuracy of financial data in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
- Support automation and process improvements for financial reporting and efficiency.
- Assist in system upgrades, financial integrations, and digital transformation projects.
Requirements
Qualification and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
- CA(SA)
- 5+ years of Accounting experience, preferably in an EPCM, Construction or Engineering environment.
- Strong understanding of Project Accounting, WIP reporting, and cost management
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
- Experience with multi‑currency transactions, tax regulations, and international accounting standards.
- Proven leadership and team management experience.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and attention to detail.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Solid technical aptitude, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision whilst consistently producing a high quality of deliverables.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, efficiently and collaboratively in a team and knowledge‑sharing environment, with colleagues across all business units.
- Build and sustain positive relationships with all stakeholders, including suppliers and colleagues.
- Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft suite of software packages, specifically Word and Excel.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the 3‑way matching principle.
- Strong reconciliation skills
- Demonstrate ability to and/or proficiency in the use of ERP & Financial software packages.
- Well‑developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to work efficiently in a team and a knowledge‑sharing environment.
- Regular, timely feedback to the Financial Manager / Management.
- Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and a practical approach to problem‑solving.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and commitment.
- Demonstrate a strict practice of confidentiality, personal responsibility and discretion.
- High degree of professional ethics.
Working Hours:
06:30 - 15:30 or 07:00 - 16:00 (Monday - Friday)