Accountant - Discovery Life at Discovery Limited

Key Purpose

Responsible for a diverse range of monthly accounting functions. These will include capturing journal entries from the bank account and investment manager statements, preparing the reassurance schedules and entries , monthly reports, VAT returns, preparing statutory returns, preparing reconciliations and explaining any variances or differences, assisting with budgeting and year end processes amongst other tasks. The job also includes ad-hoc reporting assignments relating to Discovery Life.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to

• Capturing all life bank accounts into the ledger and preparing all related recons to ensure accuracy.
• Capturing all reassurance journals and preparing the recons relating to them to ensure accuracy
• Preparation of schedules and reports relating to monthly management accounts to ensure stakeholders are kept informed. Investigate and comment on any variances to budgets and prior months
• Assisting with certain Life statutory returns to ensure compliance
• Preparation of various journal entries and reconciliations relating to the reporting function of Discovery Life
• Preparation of monthly VAT return for Discovery Life including checks to make sure it is accurate
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and appropriate policies to ensure compliance and to meet all audit requirements

Personal Attributes And Skills

• Ability to work both independently and participate as a member of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Attention to detail
• Solution oriented
• Delivery focused
• Abililty to deal with pressure
• Effective communications skills
• Time management skills

Essential Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of accounting standards affecting the insurance industry
• Advanced Proficiency in MS office specifically Excel
• Has used SAGE or similar accounting package
• Professional accounting designation - advantageous

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Matric
• Relevant B Degree in finance/ accounting/ CIMA, or similar

Experience

• 1 or more years’ experience within a finance environment / post qualification
• 2 or more years’ experience within the Life Insurance industry – Advantageous