Accountant (5-month Fixed Term Contract)

Sebenzana Consulting (Pty) Ltd is looking for a highly organized and detail-driven Accountant to support our finance team, reporting directly to the Financial Lead. In this role, you will manage day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger management, financial reporting, and month-end processes. Updating projections, conducting financial analysis, and ensuring that all financial records are accurate and compliant with relevant regulations.

• As a key role player in the finance department, you will collaborate with the Financial Lead to streamline accounting procedures, support audits, and contribute to financial planning and strategy.
  
• The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in accounting software, and a deep understanding of accounting principles.
  
• If you are passionate about maintaining financial integrity and have a keen eye for detail, this role offers an exciting opportunity to grow within a dynamic and supportive team.
  

Role Summary

• The Accountant at Sebenzana Consulting (Pty) Ltd, plays a crucial role in managing the company’s financial processes and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
  
• Extensive experience in Payroll.
  
• This role is responsible for overseeing daily accounting tasks such as general ledger management, financial statement preparation, customer collection and month-end reconciliations.
  
• The accountant will assist the Financial Lead with budgeting, financial forecasting/projections, tax compliance, cash flow management and internal audits. Additionally, this position involves maintaining the integrity of financial records and ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
  
• The accountant will contribute to the financial health of the company by providing detailed analysis, supporting decision-making processes, and ensuring that financial operations are smooth and efficient.
  
• Payroll Management and Administrative capturing essential.
  

• This role contributes to the company’s overall financial health by providing reliable financial data, supporting budgeting and forecasting processes, and assisting in audits and tax compliance.
  
• By maintaining high standards of financial reporting and contributing to process improvements, the accountant helps drive informed decision-making and ensures the company’s financial sustainability.
  

Business

• Responsible for communicating with internal and external stakeholders regarding invoicing queries.
  
• Responsible for communicating with internal and external stakeholders regarding payment requirements and resolving any payment issues.
  
• Maintain knowledge of all organizational and governmental rules affecting purchases and provide information about these rules to organization staff members and to vendors/contractors.
  
• Ensure that there is the correct interpretation of contracts documentation, record keeping and close out of all payment queries.
  
• Ensure correct data entries and correct calculations against correct cost centres and contracts.
  
• Successfully reconcile the general ledger balances and the bank statement or other financial records without discrepancies.
  
• On time submission of financial reports.
  
• Preparation of all financial documentation for internal or external audits. A clean audit with minimal adjustments is a strong indicator of compliance and a sound financial control.
  
• Ensure 100% compliance with relevant financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting standards and of such submissions.
  
• Timeous close out of month-end or year-end closing activities.
  
• Streamlining of accounting processes (invoicing, payroll, reconciliations) that are automated or streamlined. Refers to efficient accounting systems.
  
• Budget variance, i.e. actual versus forecast. Tracking data of close financial operations are staying within the budget for planning and control purposes.
  
• Forecasting accuracy supports reliable financial forecasting.
  
• Cost saving identified and implemented through financial analysis process improvement efforts.
  
• Cash Flow metrics are also important in the number of times the company collects its average accounts receivable during a period and how quickly the company pays their suppliers.
  
• The influence of the number of days the company waits for payment after a sale on its cash flow is important. Improvement of this period is critical.
  
• Collaboration with other departments to provide financial insights and support strategic decision-making. Timely communication and feedback are required.
  

Parameters for success (Key Metrics)

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Consistently deliver precise and error-free financial reports, transactions, and reconciliations, ensuring the integrity of financial data.
  
• Timeliness: Meet all deadlines for financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring that financial information is available when needed for decision-making.
  
• Compliance Adherence: Maintain strict compliance with industry regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies, minimizing the risk of financial or legal penalties.
  
• Process Efficiency: Implement and maintain efficient financial processes, reducing the time and resources required to complete financial tasks without compromising accuracy.
  
• Audit Readiness: Maintain thorough and organized financial records that ensure smooth and successful internal and external audits with minimal findings.
  
• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Ensure that all internal and external stakeholders, including department heads and auditors, are satisfied with the accuracy, clarity, and timeliness of financial information provided.
  
• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement by regularly seeking out opportunities to enhance financial processes, tools, and skills.
  

Functional

• Ensuring that all vendor payments are accurate, approved, and made within agreed terms.
  
• Track and manage incoming payments from clients, ensuring timely collection of outstanding invoices and maintaining accurate records.
  
• Maintain the general ledger by recording all financial transactions accurately and ensuring that accounts are properly balanced and reconciled.
  
• Perform regular reconciliations of the company’s bank accounts, ensuring that all transactions are accounted for, and discrepancies are resolved promptly.
  
• Prepare and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
  
• Monitor and record company expenses, ensuring they are within budgetary limits and properly documented.
  
• Conduct variance analysis by comparing actual financial performance against budgeted figures, identifying trends, and reporting on significant deviations.
  

Requirements

Nationality: South African

• Matric
  
• Degree (NQF 7)/ NQF6 – National Diploma in Accounting Skills and Knowledge
  
• Strong communication capabilities
  

Work Experience:

• 2-4 years proven work experience in a similar position.
  
• Experience with financial software and databases.
  
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis, planning and reporting.
  
• Proficiency in Sage, Xero and Advanced Excel.
  

Benefits

Salary will be market related.