Accountant (Financial Statement Drafting) (Western Cape) at BDO South Africa

Primary Purpose of the Job

• The primary purpose of this role is to prepare and draft high-quality Annual Financial Statements (AFS) in compliance with IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, and GRAP, while providing technical support to engagement teams and ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery of client financial reporting requirements.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Financial Statement Drafting

• Obtain drafting request forms from trainees or managers.
• Obtain and review prior-year signed Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and CaseWare files.
• Confirm that prior-year signed AFS agree to the prior-year CaseWare file.
• Obtain and review Public Interest Score (PIS) working papers.
• Confirm the applicable reporting framework (IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, or GRAP) for the current year.
• Perform roll-forwards of prior-year CaseWare files.
• Create new CaseWare files for new clients or where prior-year files are unavailable.
• Obtain current-year trial balances and verify completeness and accuracy.
• Import trial balances into CaseWare.
• Map new accounts and ensure accurate financial statement presentation.
• Gather note disclosure information from audit teams and clients.
• Assess the reasonableness and completeness of disclosure information.
• Draft Annual Financial Statements in accordance with relevant reporting standards.
• Perform detailed spelling, formatting, and quality reviews before submission.
• Place completed CaseWare files on the server in accordance with firm procedures.
• Submit completed financial statements to managers and trainees while communicating drafting issues and recommendations.
• Follow up on review notes and ensure timely resolution.
• Follow up on outstanding signed AFS and maintain engagement status records.

Technical Support & Collaboration

• Assist trainees with CaseWare-related technical issues.
• Provide guidance on working papers and balancing differences.
• Support engagement teams with financial reporting and disclosure queries.
• Contribute to process improvements and standardisation within the drafting function.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard client information at all times.

Requirements
Technical Competencies

• Advanced financial statement drafting skills.
• Strong accounting and financial reporting expertise.
• Proficiency in CaseWare Working Papers.
• Data management and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop and improve processes and systems.
• Strong planning, organising, and information management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Excellent client service orientation.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

BDO Core Competencies

• Relationships & Collaboration
• Exceptional Client Service
• Business Growth
• Engaging People.
• Leadership
• Quality, Risk Management & Operational Performance.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Thorough attention to detail.
• Delivery-focused with a strong sense of accountability.
• Ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proactive and solution-orientated mindset.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills