Financial Accountant

Location: Cape Town

Position Overview

An established management services business supporting renewable energy project companies is seeking a skilled and experienced Financial Accountant to join its Cape Town office.

The successful candidate will have a solid track record of 5 to 10 years’ relevant experience and will take responsibility for the finance function across multiple project entities. This role requires a proactive, analytical individual who is comfortable operating in a project-driven environment and engaging with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Take control and ownership of daily and monthly accounting transactions
• Record all transactions in the general ledger, including accruals, invoices, payments, tax accruals and SARS payments
• Prepare monthly trial balances and draft management accounts including Income Statement and Balance Sheet
• Assist in the preparation of Annual Financial Statements and liaise with external auditors
• Support the preparation of budgets, forecasts and financial reports for management and shareholders
• Compile financial information for board packs, investor updates and project reporting
• Perform bank reconciliations and manage cash controls
• Process monthly and ad hoc payments to suppliers and service providers
• Ensure full understanding and oversight of end to end accounting and payment processes
• Communicate and escalate financial issues where required

• Work closely with contractors, suppliers and management to ensure accurate capture of information required for economic development reporting

• Assist with preparation and submission of income tax, VAT and STC returns
• Support PAYE submissions and reconciliations including mid year and annual processes
• Address and resolve general tax queries

• Provide ongoing support to the Financial Manager and the broader finance team
• Collaborate with technical teams to obtain relevant project information impacting financial results
• Engage with contractors and advisors to ensure timely and accurate financial inputs

• Accounting Degree or Diploma
• 5 to 10 years’ relevant financial accounting experience
• Experience within financial services, project environments, start ups or renewable energy sectors advantageous
• Technical accounting knowledge including exposure to accounting systems such as Great Plains GL
• Strong planning and organisational ability
• Advanced MS Office skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Analytical and proactive approach to problem solving

• Strong team player who supports colleagues
• Able to engage confidently with suppliers, lenders, shareholders and non finance staff
• Professional communication skills and stakeholder management capability

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
• Effective management of monthly payments and accrual processes
• Compliance with statutory and tax requirements
• Delivery of high quality financial and economic development reporting
• Active contribution to the broader finance team objectives