Junior Accountant - Investments at PPS

Job Advert Summary    

The Junior Accountant: Investments is responsible for the accurate financial reporting, consolidation, and reconciliation of investment activities within PPS Group. This role plays a crucial part in maintaining the integrity of investment accounting records and providing valuable insights to support strategic decision-making.

Reporting to the Investment Manager, the  Junior Accountant: Investments will be responsible for the preparation of investment accounting journals, reconciliations, group consolidation, and investment reporting.

Minimum Requirements    

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce (BCom) or related field.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Strong accounting knowledge with a proven track record of maintaining accurate financial records.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an investment/ accounting environment.
• Familiarity with the insurance industry will be advantageous.

Communication:

• Communicate effectively and articulate information in a logical and structured manner, catering to the needs and understanding of various stakeholders, including senior management and executives.
• Express opinions, information, and key viewpoints clearly and assertively.
• Anticipate and respond appropriately to the needs, reactions, and feedback of internal and external stakeholders.
• Take ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks, driving the review process, and ensuring correctness of the ledger and reporting.
• Offer possible solutions when raising problems with the manager.
• Provide consistent updates on the progress of the month-end process.

Computer Literacy:

• Proficient in using the latest MS Office package, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to create and comprehend advanced Excel functions.
• Familiarity with accounting software and reporting tools.
• Interest in data analysis and data visualization tools.

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Persuasive and influential, able to effectively communicate ideas and recommendations.
• Critical thinking skills to analyse information, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
• Excellent networking skills to foster relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and asset managers.
• Good presentation skills to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to manage expectations of stakeholders and deliver results.
• Self-awareness and the ability to adapt to different working styles and environments.
• Professionalism in conduct and maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Responsible, accountable, and takes extreme ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• High emotional intelligence to navigate and resolve conflicts and build positive relationships.
• Resilience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to provide innovative solutions.
• Collaborative mindset to work effectively within a team and across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to handle pressure and work well under tight deadlines.
• Continuous desire for learning and professional growth.

Duties and Responsibilities    

Financial Reporting and Reconciliation:

• Prepare journals to ensure accurate recording of asset manager transactions in PPS records.
• Ensure proper allocation of transactions within mandates and rules.
• Review portfolios to ensure compliance with mandates.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date investment accounting records.
• Liaise with Asset Managers regarding investment accounting and resolve outstanding reports and unreconciled items.

Consolidation and Reporting:

• Prepare monthly reconciliations of investment reports and consolidation entries to the General Ledger.
• Prepare and reconcile monthly Capital Gains Tax schedules.
• Calculate and reconcile monthly Dividend Tax calculations.
• Assist in the rework of profit and loss quarterly for Financial Year-end reporting.
• Record monthly investment fees and prepare management fees schedule for consolidation.
• Preparation of the monthly investment pack with analysis on numbers and variances Provide explanations to the manager for monthly investment account movements for the management reporting pack.
• Prepare graphs and analytics for the management reporting pack.

Data Analysis and Budgeting:

• Obtain investment returns and update monthly performance rates for exit calculations.
• Prepare asset manager investment details for Sam Quarterly, Reserve Bank, and Annual Returns.
• Assist in the preparation and capture of investment budgets for income profits and investment fees.
• Prepare various year-end disclosures in the Annual Financial Statements, particularly related to IFRS 9 risk disclosures.