We are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join our Finance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing key accounting functions, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, and leading a small finance team. This role requires a hands-on professional with strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to meeting deadlines and improving processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Month-End

• Prepare all month-end journals, including but not limited to: Sales and cost of sales, Petty cash, Opening and closing stock, Stock losses, Gross profit reasonability reviews, Courier charges, Rental and utilities, Bank charges, Depreciation, Prepayments, Accruals and reversals, Workmen's compensation accruals, Pre-operating cost reallocations, Lay-by sales, Salaries and payroll journals, Management fee allocations.
  
• Prepare accurate monthly financial reports and schedules.
  
• Perform detailed balance sheet reconciliations.
  
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, including depreciation calculations.
  
• Assist with cash flow planning and payment management.
  

Accounts Payable, Banking & Administration

• Review creditor reconciliations.
  
• Check daily, monthly, and rental payments.
  
• Load confidential and foreign currency payments.
  
• Investigate and resolve banking queries.
  
• Manage banking administration, including credit card queries and banking portal maintenance.
  
• Oversee payment processing and ensure financial controls are maintained.
  

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare and analyse monthly reports, including: Store/business performance analysis, Year-to-date and rolling performance reviews, Payment analysis, Supplier reporting, Cost allocations, Transport and operational cost analysis, Expense reporting.
  
• Analyse financial information and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
  
• Complete ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as required.
  
  

Process Improvement

• Identify accounting challenges and implement practical solutions.
  
• Assist in streamlining finance processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  
• Proactively identify issues that could impact reporting deadlines and communicate them timeously.
  

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and support direct reports within the Finance team.
  
• Monitor performance and address performance concerns professionally.
  
• Confidently manage difficult conversations and resolve conflict where necessary.
  
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
  

Requirements

• BCom Accounting Degree (essential).
  
• Completed articles will be advantageous but are not essential.
  
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar Financial Accountant role.
  
• Strong experience with: Balance sheet reconciliations, Fixed asset register management, General ledger accounting, Month-end reporting, Creditors, Banking, Financial administration.
  
• Experience identifying accounting issues and implementing effective solutions.
  
• Leadership experience managing finance staff is essential.
  
• Experience in retail, manufacturing, FMCG, or similar industries will be considered.