Group Finance Accountant

Our client is seeking an experienced Finance Accountant to join their Group Services division on a temporary contract. Reporting to the General Manager: Financial Analysis and Control, with overall reporting to the CFO, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting and leading key Group finance functions, including financial reporting, consolidation, budgeting, and forecasting, while providing accurate and meaningful financial insights to support business decision-making. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting and medium- to long-term financial planning processes. Monitor budget performance, analyse variances, and recommend corrective actions. Prepare rolling forecasts and scenario analyses to support business planning and sustainability. Financial Reporting & Compliance: Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with IFRS, legislation, and internal policies. Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes. Oversee management and statutory reporting across the Group. Manage group consolidation, inter company reconciliation, eliminations, and consolidated reporting. Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements. Prepare and review financial reporting packs for lenders, auditors, and external stakeholders. Ensure compliance with statistical and government reporting requirements. Support multinational reporting requirements, including foreign currency accounting and revaluations. Governance, Controls & Risk Management: Maintain balance sheet integrity through robust reconciliation and review controls. Ensure compliance with financial legislation and tax requirements. Identify, assess, and manage financial risks, including fraud prevention and detection. Operational Financial Management: Oversee cash flow management, working capital, funding requirements, and cost optimisation initiatives. Provide financial input procurement, contract management, and capital expenditure decisions. Payroll & Treasury: Oversee the payroll function and ensure legislative and tax compliance. Monitor payroll system performance, compliance, and enhancements. Oversee cash flow forecasting and annual banking facility reviews. Monitor financial covenants, foreign exchange exposure, and offshore fund repatriation. Taxation & Insurance: Review tax computations and returns. Oversee SARS queries and ensure timely resolution of outstanding matters. Monitor VAT and PAYE compliance. Support tax planning initiatives, including transfer pricing policy updates. Oversee insurance claims, reporting, annual renewals, and appropriate coverage. Business Intelligence & Performance Analysis: Analyse financial and operational trends to provide meaningful business insights. Use financial data to support strategic decision-making and business performance. Identify opportunities to improve reporting, automation, efficiency, and financial processes. People Management & Leadership: Lead and develop the finance team to build a high-performing function. Oversee day-to-day team management, communication, and performance. Foster a culture of accountability, ethics, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or a related field. Professional accounting qualifications such as CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, or CPA. CA(SA) with articles completed at an auditing firm. 8–10 years’ relevant finance experience, including 4–5 years at management level. Strong experience in financial reporting, group consolidation, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls. Strong knowledge and practical application of IFRS. Experience within a multi-entity environment; multinational exposure will be advantageous. Experience in taxation, treasury, payroll, working capital, and statutory reporting. Strong analytical, leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities. Experience using technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve finance processes and reporting.