Associate Finance Manager

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Financial Accountant to join the finance team of an established international business at their Cape Town based head office. Positioned strategically between the operational finance team and the Financial Manager. You will not be processing transactions or preparing accounts from scratch. Instead, you will act as the ultimate quality control gatekeeper—reviewing, consolidating, and verifying all financial outputs (management accounts, VAT reconciliations, and age analyses) before they reach the Financial Manager. If you have a sharp eye for detail, a strong "review mindset," and enjoy coaching and guiding a team to maintain impeccable standards, this role is for you. Key Responsibilities Financial Oversight & Review: Review monthly management accounts, VAT reconciliations, and balance sheet reconciliations prepared by the Senior Accountant. Ensure total accuracy, correct period allocation, and variance commentary before final submission. Debtors & Creditors Quality Control: Review monthly debtors and creditors age analyses and consolidated reports. Ensure the respective Controllers fully reconcile all accounts and meet strict month-end deadlines. Reporting & Coordination: Maintain the monthly finance reporting calendar. Act as the primary gatekeeper to ensure no financial report leaves the department without your documented review and sign-off. Multi-Jurisdictional Alignment: Assist the Financial Manager with intercompany reconciliations and support reporting coordination across South African and international entities (including Dubai). Process Integrity: Monitor internal controls, identify process weaknesses, and manage the month-end close checklist to ensure seamless execution. Requirements Education: BCom Accounting degree (NQF Level 7) SAIPA articles ideal or SAICA Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an accounting or financial role. Leadership: Demonstrated experience reviewing the work of others and taking accountability for team output. Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in MS Excel. Sound understanding of IFRS for SMEs and South African VAT legislation. Experience with management accounts, VAT, SARS and age analyses Compliance, management accounts and recons Ability to check and oversee others Systems: Working knowledge of Pastel, MS Excel Advanced and Zoho accounting software is highly advantageous. Niche Experience: Exposure to multi-currency/cross-border transactions or trading/import-export environments is a major plus. Strong Communicator: You can confidently escalate issues to the Financial Manager and hold the operational team accountable for reporting deadlines. Organized & Proactive: You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at catching discrepancies early. Benefits Established and growing company Permanent Mentorship and growth Growing and learning opportunities Fantastic team environment