Trade Accountant

IntroductionA growing organisation operating in commodity trading seeks a Trade Accountant to join its Finance Department in Stellenbosch. You will report to the Senior Trade Accountant and be responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and reporting of commodity trading transactions across physical and derivative markets. This role supports front, middle, and back office functions by ensuring timely trade monitoring, inventory valuation, profit and loss accuracy, and compliance with internal controls and external regulations across international markets.Key ResponsibilitiesRecord and reconcile physical and derivative commodity trades in the trading and ERP system, ensuring accurate and complete accountingPerform inventory reconciliations including silo, warehoused and in-transit inventory; ensure accruals are accurately recordedReconcile purchase and sales contracts, freight, insurance, demurrage, and other trade-related costs to ensure correct reflection in accounting recordsMonitor open contracts and ensure timely recognition of revenues and costs; liaise with operations, logistics, and counterparties to resolve discrepanciesReconcile trader profit and loss to accounting records and investigate variancesPrepare monthly trade profit and loss statements for each strategyPrepare balance sheet reconciliations related to trading activities and support month-end and year-end close processesEnsure compliance with IFRS and US GAAP, internal accounting policies, and adherence to internal controls and segregation of dutiesAssist with external audits and provide supporting documentationLiaise with traders, operations, logistics, suppliers, and external stakeholders (banks, auditors, customs agents) to facilitate smooth operations and resolve financial mattersSupport operational and strategic initiatives with financial expertise and understanding of trading economicsContribute to system improvements and process automation initiativesRequirementsMatric and a degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related fieldTwo to five years' experience in trade accounting within a commodity trading, energy, or shipping environmentProficient with Microsoft Office 365 and strong Excel skillsExperience with PeopleSoft or similar ERP systemsTeams and SharePoint proficiencyStrong understanding of the physical commodity trading lifecycleExperience and deep understanding of profit and loss reporting and balance sheet reconciliationsHigh attention to detail and ability to work under time pressureGood communication skillsCurious and self-starter mentalityPreferred: Power BI and process automation experience; experience working in a multi-currency, multi-entity environment; knowledge of derivatives and hedging instrumentsWe look for candidates who embody respect, accountability, passion, collaboration, excellence, agility, and integrity in their work.