The Finance Assistant ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial records, supporting the company's financial health and strategic decision-making. This role involves managing the Accounts payable function, reconciliations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to enhance financial processes.
Reports to: Financial Controller
Please note: This role requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a directly related field. Unfortunately, diplomas or certificates without a degree will not be considered.
Workplace: Hybrid, 2-3 days a week. There will be on-site interviews at our Cape Town office. Only candidates that are currently based in Cape Town will be considered.
Hours: Our working hours are 09:00–18:00 UK time. For candidates in South Africa, this is 10:00–19:00 (late March to late October) and 11:00–20:00 (late October to late March).
Responsibilities:
- Invoice Processing & Management: Verify and approve invoices for accuracy, compliance, and approvals. Ensure timely and accurate entry of invoices into accounting systems.
- Payment Processing: Manage and execute payments, ensuring they are completed on time and within agreed terms. Oversee multiple payment methods, including bank transfers. Reconcile accounts payable transactions with bank statements.
- Financial Reporting & Compliance: Support the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and complete financial records. Maintain accounts payable reports, including aging reports, for management review. Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and legal regulations.
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement process automation to enhance efficiency in accounts payable. Develop and maintain financial controls to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Cash Flow & Forecasting: Monitor and manage working capital and coordinate payment schedules. Assist in preparing accurate and timely cash flow forecasts. Manage currency holdings to optimise financial efficiency.
- Risk Management: Implement controls to detect and prevent fraud within payment processes. Regularly assess financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Collaboration & Problem Resolution: Work closely with finance and operations teams to ensure accurate reporting and smooth workflows. Address and resolve escalated accounts payable issues. Provide financial support and insights to internal stakeholders.
Requirements
- Proven experience in a finance role (typically 3+ years).
- Degree in Finance, and preferably a professional qualification.
- Experience with invoice processing, payment runs, and bank reconciliations.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and standards (e.g., IFRS or GAAP).
- Experience supporting month-end close processes and preparing financial reports.
- Background in working with financial controls and compliance frameworks.
- Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
- Strong Excel skills (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, reconciliations).
- Ability to identify and implement process improvements, especially in automation.
- Understanding of cash flow management and working capital principles.
- Exposure to multi-currency environments and international payment processes.
- Knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to accounts payable.
Please note: This is a hybrid role, with 2-3 days in the office each week. You must be comfortable working UK hours 09:00–18:00 GMT, including adjustments for daylight savings which may shift to 10:00–19:00 or 11:00–20:00 SA time
Benefits
- 23 days paid holiday days (plus public holidays)
- An extra day off for your birthday - because who wants to work on their birthday?
- Hybrid working model
- Opportunities to innovate
- Better Help coverage for mental health support
- Laptop - for business use
- Salary: R15,000- R20,000 per month (dependent on experience)
