Accountant at Discovery Limited

Key Purpose

• As an IFRS specialist within Group Finance, to lead the project implementation of IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts across the Discovery Group. In addition, to assist with IFRS interpretation and application across the various Discovery business lines. You would report to the Group Technical Accountant, who reports into Head: Group Financial Reporting.

Areas Of Responsibilities Will Include, But Not Limited To

• Project Management of the implementation of IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts across the Discovery Group, together with assistance on the implementation, e.g. technical papers and disclosures.
• IFRS interpretation and application across the Discovery Group:
  • Consult on accounting queries for IFRS.
  • Writing accounting opinions and position papers, including policy documents and manuals. This includes the accounting implications pre and post deals, as well as at a separate financial statement view and consolidated financial statement view.
  • Monitoring compliance against policies and procedures.
  • Present training on IFRS to finance teams.
• Preparation and review of Annual Financial Statements
  • Assist in the drafting of the Discovery Group Financial statements in line with IFRS, Companies Act, JSE, regulations (eg Bank Act, Insurance Act, Medical Schemes Act) and best practice.
  • Review subsidiary financial statements and provide guidance and recommendations on disclosures in accordance with IFRS and Companies Act.
  • Create and share relevant reporting frameworks and templates for use in the business, including financial statement templates and reporting pack templates.
  • Development of IFRS disclosures for new IFRS standards or interpretations.
• Liaise with Stakeholders
  • Prepare and present papers to the Audit Committee and/ or Regulator.
  • Liaise with external auditors, specifically on IFRS queries and Financial Statement queries
  • Assist with communication to the JSE and Sponsors.
  • Participate in industry forums.
• Support the investor relations team with technical queries on results and other ad hoc requests.
• Stay abreast of IFRS and public reporting developments and pro-actively expand and deepen your practical understanding and application of IFRS, and ensure knowledge transfer to the larger finance teams.

 

Personal Attributes And Skills

• Effective task, time and cost management
• Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• A drive and commitment to consistent high-quality delivery
• The ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders in Discovery
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills
• The confidence to interact with individuals at all levels of the organisation
• A strong desire for professional development and a high learning potential

 

The Candidate Should Have
Education, Qualifications and experience

• CA (SA) qualification
• At least 2 years of experience post articles
• Advanced IFRS knowledge and application, including Companies Act and JSE Listing Requirements
• Experience within Insurance is advantageous
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office packages, including Excel, Word & PowerPoint