Senior Financial Accountant

Our client is searching for a skilled and detail-oriented Senior Financial Accountant to join our finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering accurate financial reporting and strong internal controls. Location: Germiston Employment Type: Full-Time (6x months' Probation) The Role As Senior Financial Accountant, you will play a key role in the month-end and year-end processes, preparation of financial statements, management reporting, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and legislation. You will work closely with the finance management team and support both internal and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Full Financial Accounting Function - Prepare and process monthly journals and general ledger (GL) transactions. - Perform balance sheet and income statement reconciliations. - Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timeously. - Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes. - Prepare management reports and supporting schedules. - Prepare and review general ledger reconciliations. - Maintain fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules. - Monitor inter-company transactions and ensure balances are reconciled. - Oversee and support Debtors and Creditors Team Leaders. Transport & Fleet Accounting - Capture and monitor transport-related expenses, including fuel, maintenance, toll fees, licenses, permits, and insurance. - Review and reconcile fuel accounts and fuel card transactions. - Monitor fleet operating costs and investigate variances. - Assist with route and vehicle profitability analysis. - Ensure operational costs are allocated correctly to departments, contracts, or customers. - Verify and reconcile trip sheets and transport expense reports. Cashbook & Banking - Process and reconcile bank accounts. - Monitor daily cash flow activities. - Investigate and resolve unreconciled items. - Assist with cash flow forecasting and reporting. Taxation & Compliance - Assist with VAT calculations and submissions. - Prepare schedules for auditors and regulatory inspections. - Ensure compliance with company policies and statutory requirements. - Support internal and external audit processes. Financial Analysis & Reporting - Prepare weekly and monthly financial reports. - Assist management with budget monitoring and variance analysis. - Identify cost-saving opportunities within transport operations. - Support annual budget and forecast preparation. Systems & Process Improvement - Maintain accurate accounting records within the ERP system. - Assist in developing and improving accounting procedures. - Support finance projects and process enhancements. - Ensure data integrity within accounting and fleet management systems. BBBEE Compliance - Assist with the collection of supporting documents for verification agencies. - Assist with completion of the information-gathering file from the verification agent. Minimum Requirements Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting - Completed articles – preferably - Pursuing a professional qualification will be advantageous. Experience - Minimum 8 years of accounting experience. - At least 3 years in a senior financial accounting role. - Experience in financial reporting, budgeting, taxation, and audit management. Technical Skills - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. - Experience with ERP/accounting systems (Sage Evolution, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar). - Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls. - Knowledge of VAT and South African accounting practices. Key Competencies - Strong numerical and analytical skills. - Attention to detail and high levels of accuracy. - Good planning and organisational skills. - Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills. - Problem-solving ability. - Integrity and professionalism. - Ability to work effectively with operational and finance teams. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Timely completion of month-end reconciliations. - Accuracy of financial records and reporting. - Fuel and fleet cost control. - Creditor payment accuracy and timeliness. - VAT and statutory compliance. - Bank reconciliation accuracy. - Audit findings and compliance standards. - Budget versus actual expenditure management. Preferred Industry Experience - Road freight and logistics - Bulk transport - Distribution and warehousing - Cross-border transport - Fleet management - Mining and transport contractors - Fuel and petroleum transport