Accountant  (Any)

Support the financial performance of multiple local and international entities by managing month-end reporting, financial reporting, statutory compliance, budgeting, audit preparation and financial controls, while providing accurate financial information to support business and group reporting requirements.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Deliver accurate and timely month-end close processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments and general ledger reconciliations.
• Prepare consolidated monthly financial reporting packs for South African and international entities (Australasia, Singapore and Europe) for submission to the holding company (KAP) using Finnivo.
• Produce monthly management accounts and support group consolidation and IFRS-compliant annual financial statements.
• Manage fixed asset accounting, including asset register maintenance, depreciation calculations and asset disposals.
• Perform bank, intercompany, VAT, payroll, debtors, creditors and balance sheet reconciliations, resolving variances to maintain financial integrity.
• Ensure statutory compliance through the accurate preparation and submission of VAT returns, tax schedules and regulatory reporting.
• Compile comprehensive half-year and year-end audit and tax packs, ensuring full compliance with group reporting requirements.
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashbook management and cash flow forecasting to strengthen working capital management.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and financial planning reports using Finnivo to support business performance and strategic decision-making.
• Perform foreign currency balance restatements for multi-currency operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting across international entities.
• Strengthen internal controls, support internal and external audits, resolve auditor queries, and identify process improvements that enhance reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

ACCOUNTING CLERK → BOOKKEEPER → ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Southern Pipeline Contractors (Pty) Ltd | October 2001 – February 2022

Joined the company as an Accounting Clerk and progressed through the ranks to Senior Bookkeeper and Accounts & Administration Manager, reflecting strong performance and continuous professional growth. Led the full finance and administration function, overseeing financial reporting, statutory compliance, payroll, cash flow, banking, foreign exchange transactions, internal controls and group reporting to the French Head Office.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER | DECEMBER 2011 – FEBRUARY 2022:

• Directed the finance and administration department, ensuring the efficient delivery of accounting, reporting and administrative functions while achieving departmental objectives and deadlines.
• Managed the full accounting function, including month-end and year-end reporting, general ledger, debtors, creditors, payroll, fixed assets, cash management, petty cash and revenue and expenditure analysis.
• Strengthened financial governance by developing and implementing policies, enhancing internal controls and playing a key role in the successful implementation of a new accounting system.
• Delivered accurate monthly financial reports, cash flow statements and group reporting requirements to the French Head Office, supporting informed business decisions.
• Ensured full statutory compliance by managing SARS submissions, VAT201, EMP201, IRP5s, UIF, WCA returns, CIPC records, tax clearance certificates and SARS audits.
• Managed banking operations as an authorised company signatory, overseeing online banking, payment approvals, bank reconciliations and cash optimisation strategies.
• Administered international banking activities, including USD and EUR payments, foreign exchange bookings, exchange control approvals, foreign exchange journals and liaison with the South African Reserve Bank.
• Oversaw credit control processes, including CGIC administration, customer credit limit applications, new account approvals, intercompany and loan account reconciliations, and legal handover of bad debt accounts.
• Reviewed financial transactions, analysed expenditure and verified supporting documentation to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with company policies.
• Managed employee benefits administration, including medical aid, provident fund and insurance claims, while maintaining accurate employee and statutory records.
• Prepared and supported corporate tax submissions, maintained audit-ready financial records and collaborated with internal and external auditors to ensure successful audit outcomes.
• Drove continuous process improvements across finance and administration, enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening financial controls and supporting the long-term success of the business.

SENIOR BOOKKEEPER | JANUARY 2007 – DECEMBER 2011:

• Maintained and reconciled the general ledger, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
• Assisted with the preparation of monthly management accounts and annual financial statements to support financial reporting requirements.
• Compiled audit files and collaborated with external auditors, ensuring timely completion of annual audits.
• Managed the full debtors function, including invoicing, allocations, collections and the distribution of monthly customer statements.
• Administered the full creditors function, including supplier reconciliations, payment preparation and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Processed daily banking transactions, completed monthly bank reconciliations and maintained accurate cash records.
• Managed the fixed asset register, ensuring accurate asset recording, maintenance and reporting.
• Coordinated monthly stock takes, prepared stock sheets, investigated variances and maintained accurate inventory records.
• Processed weekly wages and monthly payroll, completed payroll year-end procedures, and prepared and submitted VAT201 and EMP201 statutory returns

ACCOUNTING CLERK | OCTOBER 2001 – DECEMBER 2006:

• Performed the full debtors and creditors functions, ensuring the accurate processing of invoices, allocations, reconciliations and supplier payments.
• Processed weekly wages and monthly salaries while maintaining accurate payroll records and supporting payroll administration.
• Maintained the cashbook by accurately recording daily receipts and payments, ensuring complete and up-to-date financial records.
• Completed monthly bank reconciliations and prepared cash flow reports to support effective cash management.
• Maintained accurate accounting records, contributing to efficient month-end reporting and financial control.
• Provided administrative and accounting support on ad hoc finance projects, contributing to the smooth operation of the finance department.

Provided administrative, customer service and payroll support by coordinating office operations, preparing tender documentation, processing orders and maintaining effective communication with customers.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Delivered comprehensive secretarial and administrative support, ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the office.
• Prepared quotations and supporting documentation for tender submissions, contributing to successful business opportunities.
• Processed customer orders accurately and coordinated follow-ups on awarded tenders.
• Liaised with customers regarding outstanding accounts, supporting collections and maintaining positive client relationships.
• Processed weekly wages accurately and on time while maintaining payroll records and supporting administrative compliance.