Group Financial Accountant

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Group Financial Accountant plays a key role within the Group's Finance function, providing financial reporting, consolidation, taxation, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, governance and sustainability reporting support across the Group. The position is responsible for supporting the delivery of accurate, complete and timely financial information, strengthening financial controls and ensuring compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and statutory requirements.

The role is intended to strengthen the Group Finance structure by providing additional capacity, operational resilience and succession depth. The incumbent will develop a comprehensive understanding of the Group's financial operations, systems, processes and strategic priorities, while providing backup and contingency support for critical Group Finance responsibilities.The incumbent will report to the Financial Manager: Corporate Services and work closely with the CFO and other relevant Group Finance stakeholders to support the effective execution of Group Finance activities.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Group Financial Reporting and Consolidation

• Assist with the preparation of monthly, interim and annual Group financial reports.
• Prepare, review and maintain Group consolidation schedules and supporting reconciliations.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness and integrity of financial information submitted by subsidiaries and business units.
• Maintain and continuously improve Group financial reporting processes, procedures and internal controls.
• Support external audit processes and year-end financial reporting requirements.
• Assist with technical accounting matters and ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Investigate and resolve financial reporting discrepancies and consolidation-related queries.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting and Management Reporting

• Coordinate and support the annual Group budgeting process.
• Prepare, consolidate and maintain the weekly Group profit forecast.
• Prepare and maintain the weekly Group cash flow forecast.
• Monitor financial performance against approved budgets, forecasts and business expectations.
• Analyse financial variances and provide relevant insights to support management decision-making.
• Assist with the preparation of Board, Executive Committee and management reporting packs.
• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial information to relevant stakeholders.

3. Treasury Administration and Cash Management

• Assist with the administration of Group treasury and financing activities.
• Monitor banking facilities, guarantees and other financial commitments.
• Support Group cash management, liquidity planning and forecasting processes.
• Prepare treasury-related reports, schedules and reconciliations.
• Assist with monitoring the Group's cash position and financing requirements.

4. Taxation and Regulatory Compliance

• Assist with Group taxation matters, including corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax and other statutory tax obligations.
• Coordinate responses to SARS audits, reviews and information requests.
• Support the identification, assessment and management of tax-related risks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax filing and reporting deadlines.
• Liaise with internal and external tax advisors where required.
• Maintain appropriate tax documentation, reconciliations and supporting records.

5. Zambia Business Financial Support

• Provide financial oversight and coordination support for the Zambia business from a South African Group Finance perspective.
• Assist with financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and regulatory compliance requirements relating to the Zambia operations.
• Monitor the accuracy and completeness of financial information received from the Zambia finance team.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between Group Finance and the Zambia finance team.
• Support the alignment of the Zambia business with Group financial reporting standards and processes.

6. Group Logistics Solution Administration

• Provide financial and administrative support relating to the Group Logistics Solution.
• Monitor financial reporting, reconciliations and performance information.
• Assist with the review and analysis of relevant financial information.
• Support the maintenance of appropriate financial controls and reporting processes.

7. ESG and Sustainability Reporting

• Coordinate and administer Group Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting processes.
• Support the implementation and ongoing compliance with applicable IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, including IFRS S1 and S2.
• Maintain supporting financial and non-financial data, controls and documentation required for sustainability reporting.
• Coordinate the collection and verification of information across business units and functional areas.
• Assist with integrated reporting and stakeholder reporting requirements.
• Support the continuous improvement of the Group's sustainability reporting processes and controls.

8. Financial Systems and Process Development

• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the Group's financial systems, reporting infrastructure and related processes.
• Identify opportunities for system enhancements, automation and process optimisation.
• Assist with the implementation of financial systems improvements and reporting efficiencies.
• Support the integrity, reliability and effectiveness of financial reporting systems and internal controls.
• Promote standardisation and consistency across Group Finance processes.

9. Business Continuity and Succession Support

• Act as a backup and provide contingency support for critical Group Finance responsibilities.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Group Finance activities, reporting requirements and operating processes.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing and cross-functional exposure initiatives.
• Support knowledge transfer and succession planning within the Group Finance function.
• Ensure business continuity through effective documentation and understanding of key financial processes.

10. Financial and Strategic Project Support

• Support the Financial Manager: Corporate Services and CFO with financial projects, financing initiatives and special assignments.
• Assist with governance, risk management and financial compliance activities.
• Prepare financial analyses, reports and supporting information to facilitate strategic decision-making by Executive Management and the Board.
• Undertake additional financial projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Financial Manager: Corporate Services or, where appropriate, the CFO.

Minimum requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1 Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification preferred.
• A relevant postgraduate accounting or finance qualification will be advantageous.

2 Experience

• 3–7 years' post-articles experience.
• Demonstrable experience in Group financial reporting and financial consolidations.
• Exposure to taxation, treasury and financial planning activities.
• Experience within a multi-entity or Group operating environment.
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial reporting platforms.
• Exposure to sustainability reporting and ESG requirements will be advantageous.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge and understanding of IFRS.
• Proven Group consolidation and financial reporting experience.
• Financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
• Knowledge of taxation and SARS regulatory compliance requirements.
• Understanding of treasury, liquidity and cash flow management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Knowledge of financial ERP systems and reporting tools.
• Understanding of ESG reporting frameworks and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 and S2) will be advantageous.
• Strong financial analysis, interpretation and reporting capabilities.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

• High levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong planning, organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and consistently meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• A proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
• Adaptability and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand the broader Group operating environment.