My client, a fruit exporter based in Somerset West is looking for a  Financial Accountant to join their team. The successful candidate must have three to five years financial experience and knowledge of Pastel | QX/Prophet | Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Office | Banking Platforms.

POSITION PURPOSE
The Financial Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring effective financial controls and supporting the financial management of the business.
The role has a strong focus on fruit industry accounting, including producer accounts, sales, cost of sales, debtors, creditors, banking, QX/Prophet, export costs and statutory compliance

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Degree/Diploma in Accounting or Finance
• 3 - 5 Years’ relevant financial accounting experience
• Experience with Pastel
• Experience with QX/Prophet or a similar agricultural ERP system advantageous
• Strong accounting and financial reporting knowledge
• Good Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Good understanding of VAT, PAYE and income tax
• Strong analytical, organisational and reconciliation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Maintain the general ledger and financial records
• Prepare and process journals, accruals and provisions
• Perform bank and account reconciliations
• Assist with monthly and annual financial reporting
• Support year-end processes

Sales, Cost of Sales and Producer Accounting

• Capture and reconcile sales and cost-of-sales transactions
• Manage producer accounts, payments and related costs
• Monitor packing, transport, cold-storage and other fruit-related costs
• Assist with profitability and cost analysis

Debtors and Creditors

• Manage debtor and creditor accounts
• Process invoices, credit notes and payments
• Prepare and reconcile debtor and creditor statements
• Monitor outstanding balances and payment due dates
• Manage customer credit cover and credit exposure

QX / Prophet and Operational Systems

• Capture and maintain financial information on QX/Prophet
• Manage account sales and actual costs
• Generate estimated and final profit information
• Ensure financial information agrees between operational and accounting systems

Banking, Payments and Export Costs

• Manage banking and payment processes
• Prepare producer, supplier and ocean-freight payments
• Maintain payment schedules and supporting documentation
• Manage ocean-freight and other export-related costs

SARS, Compliance and Audit

• Prepare VAT, PAYE/EMP201 and other statutory information
• Maintain supporting documentation for SARS requirements
• Assist with annual audits and external auditors

Budgeting and Financial Analysis

• Assist with budgets and financial forecasts
• Analyse actual results against budget
• Investigate variances and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Provide financial information to support management decision-making

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong financial accounting and reconciliation skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Good understanding of the fruit export environment
• Proficient in accounting and ERP systems
• Ability to manage deadlines and work independently
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement