Senior Accountant Somerset West

Senior Accountant Position

Our client, Cape Five, is a fruit exporting business looking for a suitable candidate to fill the position of Senior Accountant.

This position is an exciting opportunity to gain experience post articles, providing a platform for professional development and career advancement, to refine one's skills and expertise in accounting.

You will be overseeing a team of accountants and reporting directly to the Financial Director. As a Senior Accountant, you will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for the organization.

You will oversee the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, regulatory filings, and other financial reports including industry-specific audit requirements. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements while providing insights to support strategic decision-making. You will take a hands-on approach to the management of the debtor's function ensuring accurate reporting and timely collections.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Financial Statement Preparation: Lead the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or relevant accounting standards.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including but not limited to SARS, banking and industry-specific reporting (e.g., EMP, VAT, tax, banking compliance).
3. External Reporting: Manage the preparation and distribution of external financial reports, such as quarterly and annual reports, ensuring adherence to reporting deadlines and disclosure requirements.
4. Internal Reporting: Develop and maintain internal financial reporting processes to provide timely and insightful information to key stakeholders, including senior management, board of directors, and other internal departments.
5. Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis to interpret trends, identify variances, and provide insights into the organization's financial performance, supporting decision-making and strategic planning initiatives.
6. Audit Coordination: Serve as a key liaison with external auditors, coordinating audit activities and providing necessary documentation and support to facilitate the audit process.
7. Process Improvement: Continuously assess and improve financial reporting processes and controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance while leveraging technology and automation solutions where applicable.
8. Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a team of accounting professionals, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure their professional development and the achievement of departmental goals.
9. Stakeholder Communication: Communicate financial results, analyses, and insights effectively to senior management.
10. Debtors Management: Oversee weekly debtors reports and drive the timely collection of funds with the relevant stakeholders.
11. Creditor Management: Oversee the creditors team managing fixed costs (e.g., non-fruit and margin-related expenses).
12. Cost Management: Provide insights and recommendations to ensure that costs are managed within the agreed budget.
13. Risk Management: Design and implement both policies and procedures to mitigate and manage business risks.
14. Special Projects: Participate in special projects as assigned by senior management when required.

Desired Experience & Qualification

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CIMA, SAICA, AGA or SAIPA articles completed.
2. Three to five years experience in an accounting role.
3. Two years of relevant experience post articles in financial reporting, accounting, or auditing roles, with progressive levels of responsibility.
4. Strong understanding of GAAP, IFRS and other relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
5. Proficiency in financial reporting systems and tools, such as ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.

Interested? If you feel you are a suitable candidate for this position, please apply.