Junior Financial Manager

SUMMARY:
Location: Century City, Cape Town

Position Overview

My client is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Financial Manager to support the finance function. This role is ideal for someone with a solid grounding in accounting principles who is ready to take on responsibility for management reporting while continuing to grow into a broader finance management position. The successful candidate will balance higher-level tasks, such as drafting management accounts, with hands-on general financial processing as required.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:

1. Management Accounts & Reporting

• Draft monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Prepare supporting schedules and variance analyses (budget vs. actual) for review by senior management.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, and prepayments.
• Support the preparation of financial reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.

2. General Financial Processing

• Process day-to-day financial transactions as needed, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Capture and code invoices, payments, and receipts accurately in the accounting system.
• Assist with payroll processing and related reconciliations, where required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and filing systems.

3. Compliance & Controls

• Ensure transactions are processed in line with company policies, internal controls, and relevant accounting standards.
• Assist with the preparation of information for statutory returns, VAT/tax submissions, and audits.
• Identify and escalate discrepancies or process improvement opportunities.

4. Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Financial Manager/Head of Finance and other departments to ensure smooth financial operations.
• Respond to internal queries regarding financial data, reports, and processes.
• Support ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required.

Requirements:

• 1–3 years of relevant experience in an accounting or finance role, ideally including exposure to management accounts preparation.
• Experience with general bookkeeping/processing tasks (accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations) preferred.
• A relevant degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (e.g., BCom Accounting).
• Studying towards or holding a professional qualification (e.g., SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA, or working towards CA(SA)) is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, Pastel, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good time management and ability to meet deadlines, particularly around month-end.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Willingness to take on varied tasks, from strategic reporting to routine processing.

Opportunity to develop into a senior finance role within a supportive team environment.