Group Financial Accountant

Cape Town



Preparation of the Group’s annual and interim financial statements in terms of IFRS and JSE listing requirements and supporting other formal external reporting deliverables.

Prepare and/or review specific inputs and outputs of the segment consolidation, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, Group accounting policies, Companies Act and JSE Listings Requirements.
Assisting with the interpretation and communication of complex financial issues and concepts to all stakeholders
Become a subject matter expert on key areas through development of a deep understanding of value drivers, KPI’s risks and key Audit Committee focus areas.
Understanding and explaining the internal and external business unit and consolidated Group information, both financial and non-financial
The role will also support other formal internal and external reporting deliverables including the financial statements, SENS announcements as well as the preparation of internal documents to support these deliverables.
Duties & Responsibilities
Financial Reporting

Accountable for the deliverables of the segment consolidation, which includes inter alia:
The statutory segment consolidation supporting monthly reporting and the production of interim and annual financial statements and related disclosure supplements.
Analyse and review the financial performance of the allocated segment as well as the consolidated Group, preparation of analytical reviews and write commentary as appropriate to assist understanding and insight
The monthly and quarterly consolidation supporting/producing all internally reported metrics for Exco & Board
Support the annual business planning and quarterly forecast consolidation as appropriate
Identify the need for consolidation journals and correcting entries to business unit submissions and the Group consolidation and understand the impact on the Group result.
Preparation and/or review of relevant consolidation journals and consolidation proofs
Review of business unit submissions, raising and efficient resolution of queries
Prepare ad hoc information, presentations or reports and provide challenge and explanation to stakeholders where required
Assistance with inter-company matching and eliminations
Provide guidance to the team and segments on the practical application of technical accounting opinions (e.g. Accounting for business combinations in the Hyperion Financial Management system (HFM) to ensure complete and accurate reporting
Assist with various aspects of the external reporting process for the consolidated Groups, including analytical review, drafting and completing financial statement disclosure notes, assisting with implementation of new accounting standards, and developing efficient data collection mechanisms as appropriate.
Keeps abreast of current accounting and tax developments
Governance & compliance

Integrates accounting, actuarial and tax knowledge in terms of analysis and interpretation of technical issues
Ensures compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards, Companies Act, JSE Listings Requirements and Group accounting policies through active engagement with segments, technical accounting, and accounting systems (HFM) teams
Ensure the HFM structures and Chart of Accounts are accurate by timeously logging amendments as part of the HFM change release cycles
Pro-active review and improvement of the consolidation process, including proposing and testing changes to the consolidation tool (HFM) as required
Adhere to the financial and internal controls framework for Group Finance
Management effectiveness

To create, maintain and enhance productive working relationships with allocated segments
To business partner with segment accounting teams by actively engaging with them in addressing key issues and to provide advice on resolving those issues that may impact the financial results of the Group
Manage interdependencies and relationships with key stakeholders such as Internal Reporting, Regulatory Reporting, Balance Sheet Management, Group Actuarial, and Tax
Liaise with auditors, ensuring the timely and accurate proofs, and audit trail for segment consolidation and the annual and interim financial statements
Understand the interactions of all financial reporting aspects of the Group and use this knowledge to provide advice to stakeholders as required
Participate/ lead on other ad hoc projects and activities as appropriate
Manage and prioritize multiple tasks
Desired Experience & Qualification
Qualified CA (SA) with approximately 1-3 years post qualification experience
Thorough understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards, JSE Listings Requirements and the accounting treatment of Insurance Companies
Must have experience in consolidations and/or financial reporting of a listed multi-national
Understanding of legal and management consolidation structures with a strong appreciation of need for process disciplines and controls
Ability to deal with complex technical issues
Strong analytical skills
Extensive and demonstrable experience with HFM or similar consolidation and reporting software
Clear credit & criminal records l20.9o