Senior Financial Accountant

Job Description

Senior Financial Accountant

Overview

Our client in the accountancy and finance industry is seeking a highly experienced and commercially driven Senior Financial Accountant to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the organisation's financial accounting function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective budgeting and forecasting, sound financial controls, statutory compliance, and efficient cash flow management. This role plays a critical part in supporting business performance by providing strategic financial insight, driving process improvements, strengthening internal controls, and partnering with operational teams to maximise profitability and sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Produce monthly management accounts and financial performance reports within agreed deadlines.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing detailed variance analysis.
• Prepare financial packs for senior management to support informed business decisions.
• Assist in developing annual budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
• Ensure financial reporting complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Complete monthly audit files and coordinate with both internal and external auditors.

Working Capital & Cash Flow Management

• Manage and optimize working capital through continuous engagement with operational teams.
• Prepare and maintain accurate daily and long-term cash flow forecasts.
• Monitor operational margins and financial performance on a daily basis.
• Manage creditor accounts, supplier reconciliations, payment schedules, and negotiated payment terms.
• Ensure invoices are processed accurately and issued promptly to customers.
• Resolve customer and supplier financial queries efficiently to maintain positive business relationships.

Financial Planning & Cost Control

• Develop and implement cost control initiatives to improve profitability.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Perform transaction costing and profitability analysis across business operations.
• Report on financial variances and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Support business growth through effective financial planning and resource allocation.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage the financial interface between accounting and operational systems.
• Lead the implementation and enhancement of financial systems and reporting processes.
• Drive automation initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for finance processes.
• Support continuous system development and finance process optimization.
• Oversee fuel recovery, fuel adjustment, pricing, and related financial processes.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain effective internal financial controls.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties across finance functions.
• Maintain compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to internal financial policies, governance standards, and audit requirements.
• Monitor supplier onboarding and compliance processes.

Business Support & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary finance contact between the business and centralized finance, debtors, payments, and IT functions.
• Provide timely financial insights and recommendations to management.
• Develop financial dashboards and performance reporting tools.
• Support operational teams with financial analysis and decision-making.
• Collaborate with senior management on strategic financial initiatives.

Leadership & People Management

• Supervise and mentor finance team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Support performance management and skills development within the finance function.
• Promote collaboration across departments to achieve business objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accurate and timely preparation of financial reports and management accounts.
• Effective management of working capital and cash flow.
• Achievement of budgetary targets and financial forecasts.
• Reduction in operating costs through process improvements.
• Timely completion of audits with minimal findings.
• Compliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Prompt processing of invoices and supplier payments.
• Effective management of creditor and debtor relationships.
• Successful implementation of finance process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Accuracy of financial forecasting and budgeting.
• Continuous enhancement of internal controls and governance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CA, CPA, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5–8 years' experience in financial accounting, management accounting, or corporate finance.
• Experience within transport, logistics, manufacturing, or a similar operational environment is advantageous.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and integrated financial software.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards, taxation, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Experience managing audits, internal controls, and compliance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial and management accounting expertise.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
• Strong understanding of cash flow management and working capital optimization.
• Knowledge of financial controls, governance, and risk management.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to provide strategic financial insight.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on automation and process optimisation.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Finance Manager / Chief Financial Officer / Managing Director (as applicable)

Employment Type

Full-time

How to Apply

Apply using the following link: https://www.recruitmentmattersafrica.com/careers/?job_id=z5G7h3l6a1kMvyS65NP3czlPyuKIRK9zzZ_su6rGmMg=