Senior Accountant: Management Accounting & Projects at Council for Geoscience (CGS)

Overall Job Purpose:

• The incumbent is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, and project accounting. This role ensures financial accuracy, supports strategic decision-making, and manages financial risks associated with projects. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Developing financial forecasts, preparing budgets, and ensuring cost control for projects.
• Developing financial models for project forecasting.
• Preparing detailed budgets aligned with project objectives.

Project Costing & Expense Management

• Tracking and analyzing project expenditures.
• Identifying cost variances and implementing corrective actions.
• Optimizing financial efficiency through cost-saving strategies.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Preparing management reports for project accounting.
• Providing inputs for financial statements and management account reports.
• Conducting variance analysis to assess financial performance and provide insights for strategic decision-making.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensuring adherence to financial regulations and industry standards.
• Identifying financial risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Supporting audits and regulatory reviews.
• Ensuring adherence to financial regulations and industry standards.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Engaging with finance teams, project managers, and external auditors to ensure financial integrity.
• Facilitating communication between Business Units for financial transparency.

Process Improvement in Project Costing

• Implementing financial control measures to enhance cost efficiency and budget accuracy.
• Refining cost allocation methods for better accuracy.
• Enhancing budgeting and forecasting techniques for improved project financial management.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Analytical Thinking.
• Attention to Detail.
• Problem-Solving Skills.
• Communication & Collaboration.
• Leadership & Initiative.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or a relevant qualification.
• Must have a professional membership with CIMA or  ACCA or CA(SA).

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in management accounting, financial planning, or project accounting.
• Strong understanding of budgeting and forecasting to predict costs and revenues.
• Ability to conduct variance analysis to identify discrepancies in financial performance.
• Expertise in cost allocation to ensure accurate expense distribution across projects.
• Proficiency in financial modelling for profitability analysis and investment feasibility.
• Experience with ERP systems like SAP for efficient financial data management.
• Familiarity with project accounting software to track costs, funding, and financial milestones.
• Knowledge of GRAP standards to ensure compliance.
• Application of cost control principles to optimize expenditures and improve efficiency.
• Understanding of project management frameworks to align financial strategies with project goals.