Accountant

Minimum requirements:

• Qualification in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 5+ years experience in a finance role.
• Strong, practical experience in bookkeeping, reconciliations, and financial controls.
• Proven experience working directly with auditors and external accountants (essential).
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage audit preparation and queries.
• Professional qualifications such as CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent are advantageous but not essential.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage, or ERP systems.
• Advanced computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow, and management accounts.

Personality Traits:

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and multitasking skills.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Ability to work independently while supporting a broader management team.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Financial Management:
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective financial policies and procedures in line with statutory standards.
• Compile cost reports, analyse variances, and provide practical recommendations for cost efficiency.
• Partner with the external accounting firm and General Manager to manage:
• Annual budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare and distribute detailed monthly management accounts.
• Manage supplier payments and approval processes.
• Oversee debtor age analysis and guide debt management.
• Manage levy statement distribution and issue levy clearance certificates.
• Administer payroll, including salaries, UIF, PAYE, and related costs.
• Perform utility meter reconciliations and ensure accurate billing.
• Maintain accurate bookkeeping and financial records at all times.
• Ensure accounts are fully reconciled and audit-ready on an ongoing basis.
• Audit and Financial Control (Key Focus Area):
• Take full ownership of audit preparation, including compiling supporting schedules and reconciling all balance sheet accounts.
• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors and accountants.
• Respond to audit queries, provide required documentation, and resolve issues proactively.
• Identify discrepancies early and ensure corrective action is taken ahead of audit cycles.
• Ensure a smooth and efficient audit process with minimal escalation to Directors.
• Administration and Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including CSOS and other applicable legislation.
• Organise AGMs, SGMs, Board, and Committee meetings, including preparation, attendance, and minute-taking.
• Coordinate meeting packs, reports, and follow-ups.
• Arrange and manage annual insurance renewals, including liability and common property cover.
• Provide accurate weekly and monthly reports to the General Manager.
• Review and improve internal policies, procedures, and controls.
• Liaise with external HR partners on staff administration and industrial relations support.
• General Administration:
• Oversee office operations, procurement, and asset management.
• Maintain accurate staff records, including leave management and HR documentation.
• Support management with financial planning and operational decision-making.
• Ensure a high standard of organisation, accuracy, and time management across all functions.