Cape Town: Financial Accountant posted by O’Brien Recruitment

Job Title: Financial Accountant
Division: Finance
Reporting To: Financial Manager Operational Finance

Location: Cape Town

Position Overview

An established management services business supporting renewable energy project companies is seeking a skilled and experienced Financial Accountant to join its Cape Town office.

The successful candidate will have a solid track record of 5 to 10 years relevant experience and will take responsibility for the finance function across multiple project entities. This role requires a proactive, analytical individual who is comfortable operating in a project-driven environment and engaging with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting

• Take control and ownership of daily and monthly accounting transactions

• Record all transactions in the general ledger, including accruals, invoices, payments, tax accruals and SARS payments

• Prepare monthly trial balances and draft management accounts including Income Statement and Balance Sheet

• Assist in the preparation of Annual Financial Statements and liaise with external auditors

• Support the preparation of budgets, forecasts and financial reports for management and shareholders

• Compile financial information for board packs, investor updates and project reporting

• Perform bank reconciliations and manage cash controls

• Process monthly and ad hoc payments to suppliers and service providers

• Ensure full understanding and oversight of end to end accounting and payment processes

• Communicate and escalate financial issues where required

Economic Development Reporting

• Work closely with contractors, suppliers and management to ensure accurate capture of information required for economic development reporting

Tax and Statutory Compliance

• Assist with preparation and submission of income tax, VAT and STC returns

• Support PAYE submissions and reconciliations including mid year and annual processes

• Address and resolve general tax queries

Operational Support

• Provide ongoing support to the Financial Manager and the broader finance team

• Collaborate with technical teams to obtain relevant project information impacting financial results

• Engage with contractors and advisors to ensure timely and accurate financial inputs

Key Skills and Experience

• Accounting Degree or Diploma

• 5 to 10 years relevant financial accounting experience

• Experience within financial services, project environments, start ups or renewable energy sectors advantageous

• Technical accounting knowledge including exposure to accounting systems such as Great Plains GL

• Strong planning and organisational ability

• Advanced MS Office skills

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Analytical and proactive approach to problem solving

People Competencies

• Strong team player who supports colleagues

• Able to engage confidently with suppliers, lenders, shareholders and non finance staff

• Professional communication skills and stakeholder management capability

Key Performance Areas

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting

• Effective management of monthly payments and accrual processes

• Compliance with statutory and tax requirements

• Delivery of high quality financial and economic development reporting

• Active contribution to the broader finance team objectives