Technical Accounting Manager

A Technical Accounting Manager position has become available within the Santam Reinsurance division, based in Tygervally Cape Town.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The Technical Accounting Manager will lead the technical accounting team and be responsible for overseeing and managing the execution of the financial aspects of reinsurance business, including the oversight/management of the processing and accounting of reinsurance transactions, engaging the Finance Manager/team on credit control of the debtors and creditors accounts, managing the control environment and providing guidance on complex reinsurance accounting issues.

Applicants must be based in Cape Town, South Africa, or be prepared to relocate. The role may require some travel to meet with our clients on a local and global basis.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

1. Manage technical accounting functions.
2. Implement and maintain procedures and controls related to technical accounting.
3. Provide technical expertise and guidance on complex reinsurance accounting issues.
4. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Underwriting & Claims Teams as well as Actuaries.
5. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors on technical accounting.
6. Manage a team – providing leadership and direction whilst supporting the team with training and development activities.
7. Report and analyze technical accounting data for management team and Cluster Market Heads.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (3-year degree).
Minimum of 10 years in a similar role, ideally in a leadership capacity.

Advantageous qualifications, knowledge and experience:
Reinsurance qualification.

COMPETENCIES

1. Collaborates.
2. Client focus.
3. Drives results.
4. Flexibility and adaptability.
5. Cultivates Innovation.
6. Data Analysis.
7. Critical Thinking.
8. Decision Making.
9. Strategic planning.
10. Balances stakeholders.
11. Financial and Business Acumen.
12. Technical accounting.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND ETHICS

Santam Re’s people-first approach requires us to make smart decisions as we build on our delivery of reinsurance solutions. We are, therefore, highly driven to present industry-leading teams that are personable, approachable, have strong codes of personal values and ethics, and tolerance for other’s beliefs and lifestyles, including their host nation’s cultures. Beyond the capabilities and expertise required, the professional Santam Re Technical Accounting Manager must also present and/or embrace the following:

1. Strong leadership and management skills.
2. High numerical skills.
3. Analytical ability and logical reasoning.
4. Problem solving skills.
5. Building networks and good relationships.
6. Time Management.
7. Communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Influencing.
9. Negotiation.
10. Conflict management.
11. Computer literate (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
12. Strong reinsurance Technical Accounting knowledge - understanding reinsurance terminology and interpretation of contracts.
13. Financial management.
14. Process improvement.
15. Emotional Intelligence.
16. Team management and leadership.

WHO ARE WE

Santam Re, based in Cape Town South Africa and operating globally, presents a company culture that is committed to fostering genuine connections with people. With over 106 years of experience, Santam is Africa’s leading general insurance company with a market share exceeding 24% in South Africa. Our reinsurance business, Santam Re, leads with a culture and work environment that truly provides meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. This is a contributing factor to Santam being recognized this year, and for the fourth consecutive year, as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute, the only general insurer in South Africa to achieve this rating. This speaks volumes about our focus on best people practices, as well as our commitment to optimizing and improving our business performance by selecting employees who are ready to thrive and perform with purpose.

We recruit and invest in people who are driven to make a positive impact in the reinsurance industry; those who believe in collaboration and dedication, passion and performance, and with values and objectives that align to inclusivity and unlimited growth. Profitable growth is key to Santam Re’s success and is the reason we are intent on further strengthening our actuarial and underwriting expertise which are at the core of our business model. We have built our reputation on being strong in technical analysis, on being able to grasp the nuances of emerging markets, high quality service delivery and in the provision of optimal portfolios that respond to the needs of our brokers and cedents, today and for the future.