Assistant Accountant

A leading company specialising in printing and packaging solutions is seeking an Assistant Accountant to support its finance function. The role will assist with financial reporting, reconciliations, compliance, and day-to-day accounting operations within a structured and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities 

• Assist the Financial Controller with all aspects of accounting and financial administration

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports

• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and post journals in line with deadlines

• Review cost centres at month-end and correct mispostings

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, statutory requirements, and internal/external audits

• Support internal and external audits, including preparation of audit documentation

• Administer insurance claims and manage related financial documentation

• Manage staff expense claims and ensure compliance with policies and procedures

• Oversee vehicle, fuel card, and credit card administration, including accruals, journals, payments, and reporting

• Act as primary contact for Accounts Payable queries for local staff and AP teams

• Create and maintain supplier accounts and oversee invoice processing

• Act as Invoice Manager, ensuring correct GL coding and approval of purchase orders

• Maintain and review non-PO supplier lists and approval structures

• Review and approve freight invoices, including recharges where applicable

• Calculate and process foreign payments and confirm trades in SAP

• Prepare monthly customer recharges for processing

• Ensure correct VAT treatment of transactions and act as Tax Manager for expense systems

• Provide required financial data for audits, including BEE and statutory audits

• Prepare and submit documentation for foreign vendors and payments

• Support preliminary preparation of annual statutory audits and manage assigned audit sections

• Maintain strong internal relationships with finance, operations, commercial teams, and staff

Requirements 

• BCom degree or Matric with Mathematics and Accounting plus relevant experience

• Practical experience working in an SAP environment

• Strong understanding of variance analysis and general ledger accounting

• Experience with financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end close processes

• Exposure to internal and external audits and statutory financial requirements

• Knowledge of VAT principles and financial compliance standards

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to produce high-quality financial reports and analyses

• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to meet deadlines

• Sound financial awareness and business acumen

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems

• Commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement

Benefits
Benefits