Audit Senior Manager (DPP Accountant) at KPMG South Africa

Description of the role and purpose of the job:

• Senior manager in DPP Accounting, responsible for mandatory and non-mandatory consultations, financial statement reviews and informal queries in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), IFRS for SME and US GAAP (as applicable).
• To be part of the dynamic team that supports the audit function and other functions on IFRS and other financial reporting matters. Perform senior reviews of consultations, informal queries, pre-issuance reviews and leading specific projects within DPP Accounting. Provide coaching and training of managers in DPP Accounting.
• Responsible for developing and presenting IFRS training of KPMG audit staff and audit clients on an annual basis

This position can be filled through a permanent internal transfer from Audit (or other function to the extent that the applicant has the required skills), a long-term secondment from audit or another function (ie 18 - 24 months – out of the box experience) or an external appointment.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain detailed knowledge of IFRS with a higher degree of specialisation in topics / markets.
• Maintain working knowledge of IFRS for SME and US GAAP
• Researching and answering accounting queries for KPMG staff and clients in accordance IFRS, IFRS for SME and US GAAP
• Take a leading role on specific projects within DPP Accounting with overall responsibility for project management and implementation.
• Pro-actively assist in identifying strategic opportunities and driving the business unit strategy by managing projects and other initiatives.
• Perform pre-issuance reviews of financial statements, including for listed companies’ and other clients.
• Staying up to date with developments in IFRS through internal research and involvement on local, regional and/or global topic teams
• Writing and reviewing technical guidance documents and other articles for KPMG partners and staff on accounting application issues, including contentious or complex issues
• Writing and reviewing technical accounting opinions for clients, including performing all related research required.
• Initiate and lead client meetings (even where not required for a specific query) at appropriate levels within the client and ensure that the appropriate DPP partner / Associate Director is involved where necessary / relevant.
• Primarily responsible for coaching and providing input to staff during the consultation process and review of consultations / opinions.
• Present technical meeting topics, staff training updates, technical updates, client training and training within South Africa and the rest of Africa (virtual and potentially face to face).
• Actively supporting and driving DPP’s activities supporting retention by:
• Responsibility for departmental teams and monitoring productivity of such teams, including ensuring a fair allocation of work and that team members achieve appropriate chargeability targets.
• Coaching and empowering staff to enable them to work autonomously.
• Being a counselling manager to managers, supervisors and secondees.
• Take responsibility for coaching and training of junior managers and other colleagues in DPP Accounting.

Skills and attributes required for the role:

•  Attention to detail
•  Good business writing skills
•  Ability and keen interest to do research, work independently and as part of a team, whilst producing and delivering good quality results
•  Working knowledge of IFRS and related financial reporting requirements
•  Strong problem solving and analytical skills
•  Ambition to contribute to building a successful department
•  Ability to think strategically and apply commercial acumen to the direction and development of the department
•  Proactive and being a “self-starter”
•  Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
•  Good organizational, time and project management skills
•  Able to deal with various tasks at once and meet deadlines
•  Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
•  Able to deal effectively with individuals at all levels within KPMG and external to KPMG
•  Ability to build and sustain relationships with people at all levels
•  People and team management skills
•  Professional work ethic
•  Good computer skills (Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint)

Minimum requirements to apply for the role (including qualifications and experience):

•  Qualified CA (SA)
•  Good working knowledge of IFRS
•  Post-article experience: at least five (5) years.
•  People management experience: at least two (2) years