Group Financial Accountant at Santam Insurance

The role

• This career opportunity is available at Santam’s Corporate Services in the Group Finance department. The role is based in Bellville, Cape Town

What will you do?

• The Group Financial Accountant will participate in the financial accounting, management and statutory reporting function of the Santam group. It will include a variety of routine and non-routine tasks, of varying difficulty, as well as managing stakeholders, information contributors and processes.
• This function encompasses both externally directed financial reporting to shareholders and the Board as well as internally focused financial accounting and reporting with regards to management reports.
• It includes the production of timeous and accurate financial results in the general ledger and consolidation system to be included in management reports, statutory financial statements and reports on the overall consolidated financial results for the Santam Group of Companies.
• It also includes supporting key activities such as month-end activities, account reconciliations, implementing and monitoring internal financial controls and supporting both internal and external audits.

What will make you successful in this role?

• An interest in both routine and non-routine tasks.
• An appreciation of the value of, and enthusiasm for, seemingly simple/mundane tasks or controls.
• Strict adherence to deadlines.
• Willingness to invest personal time.
• Ability to navigate multiple data sources and dig for information yourself.
• Ability to understand and properly respond to queries from various stakeholders.
• Willingness to grow and learn.
• Good IFRS technical knowledge.

Qualification and experience

• CA (SA) or similar qualification
• Minimum 5 – 7 years financial services experience
• Financial accounting and reporting experience in complex technical environments
• Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous

Knowledge and skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of IFRS, including insurance accounting
• Insurance Act, Companies Act
• Tax knowledge
• Computer literate (Advanced Excel)
• Knowledge of and experience with JD Edwards and/or Hyperion Financial Management would be highly advantageous
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills
• Pro-active, results-orientated and deadline driven
• Skill to operate in a high-pressure environment
• Critical thinking skills and an eye for detail
• Problem solving
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders

Personal attributes

• Drives results
• Takes ownership
• Collaborates
• Client focus
• Flexibility and adaptability and resilience
• Cultivates innovation
• Analytical thinking
• Data Analysis
• Emotional Intelligence
• Critical Thinking