Economics jobs in South Africa

We are recruiting on behalf of our client who specializes in the international movement of beverages.

They are seeking a capable and proactive accountant to join their small finance team during a period of growth and transition. The current finance processes require development and refinement, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who excels in dynamic environments and is confident in implementing structure and improvements. The role encompasses the full accounting function—including credit control, accounts payable, general ledger maintenance, and financial reporting—requiring a high level of accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to accounting standards and company policies.

Key Responsibilities :

Accounts Receivable (Credit Collection) :

• Monitor outstanding customer balances and follow up regularly to ensure timely payment.
• Communicate with clients regarding overdue accounts and escalate unresolved cases.
• Allocate receipts accurately to customer accounts and reconcile statements.
• Prepare aging reports and provide insights on credit risk and collection performance.
• Support internal sales teams with debtor account queries and credit limit management.

Accounts Payable :

• Process supplier invoices and verify supporting documentation.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies proactively.
• Ensure all payments are made within agreed payment terms.
• Maintain accurate records of accounts payable transactions.
• Prepare weekly / monthly payment runs and cash flow projections.

General Ledger & Month-End Processes :

• Post journal entries including accruals, prepayments, and inter-company adjustments.
• Reconcile bank accounts, control accounts, and balance sheet items monthly.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Support year-end closing processes and liaise with external auditors as required.

Taxation & Compliance in collaboration with an external accounting firm :

• Prepare and submit VAT, PAYE, UIF, and other statutory returns in accordance with SARS regulations.
• Maintain tax schedules and support annual income tax computations.
• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards (IFRS for SMEs or full IFRS) and internal controls.

Reporting & Analysis :

• Provide timely financial reports and analysis for management decision-making.
• Monitor and report on key financial metrics including collections, cash flow, and cost variances.

Other Duties :

• Maintain up-to-date documentation and filing of financial records.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required schedules and information.
• Recommend and implement process improvements within the finance function.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. procurement, operations) to resolve financial issues.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant accounting experience, ideally in retail.
• Experience in credit control, stock control, and supplier management is preferred.
• Proficiency in accounting software.
• Knowledge of South African tax and financial regulations.

Requirements :

• Degree qualified in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Recognized professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial analysis or commercial finance.
• Demonstrable expertise in building and interrogating financial models.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with Power BI (or similar BI tools).
• Proven track record of developing automated reporting processes and dashboards.

Skills & Characteristics :

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work under pressure.