Team Lead: Financial Accountant at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Job Description    

• The purpose of the role is to ensure the accurate recording, reporting, and analysis of the DBSA financial transactions in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. Key performance areas include the following, Technical Expertise and Knowledge; Problem Solving and Decision Making; Innovation and Improvement; Financial Management; Management Reporting and Information Systems; Transactional Processing and General Ledger Management; Internal Control and Risk Management; Stakeholder Management and Reporting; and Team Leadership and Management. Key measurements of outputs include the following but not limited to, Timeliness of accounts payable and subsistence and travel payment, accuracy rate of financial information, risk mitigation actions implemented and Stakeholder satisfaction scores.  

Key Responsibilities    
Technical Expertise and Knowledge

• Leverage advanced technical knowledge and skills to provide expert insights and solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry developments, technologies, and best practices to maintain a high level of competency and innovation. Apply expertise to analyse complex problems, design effective solutions, and support the implementation of projects or initiatives.
• Share knowledge with colleagues and stakeholders, facilitating training sessions, presentations, or consultations as needed.
• Maintain a deep understanding within area of expertise and contribute to continuous improvement.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Apply analytical skills and industry-specific knowledge to effectively identify, assess, and address complex challenges within their area of expertise.
• Analyse situations to understand underlying issues, considering various factors and perspectives, and developing creative and practical solutions.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and decisiveness, making informed decisions based on data, evidence, and expert insight while anticipating potential outcomes and risks.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to gather input and ensure alignment before implementing solutions.
• Solve problems and make strategic decisions, the specialist contributes to optimizing operations, driving innovation, and achieving organizational goals.

Innovation and Improvement

• Champion innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their area of expertise.
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes, products, or services, leveraging their technical knowledge, creativity, and industry insights.
• Explore and implement cutting-edge technologies or methodologies to drive efficiency, quality, and value for the organisation.
• Encourage and facilitate idea generation among team members, promoting a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can flourish.
• Seek ways to improve and innovate, the specialist contributes to maintaining the organisation’s competitive edge and adapting to evolving market demands.

Financial Management

• Maintain an understanding of the DBSA financial transactions to understand the impact on the financial position, financial performance and cash flow statement disclosures.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with financial, tax, VAT and related regulations.
• Implement financial policies and procedures that consistently support business operations.
• Contribute to proactive and regular forecasting and scenario planning for corporate balance sheet and cash flow statements.
• Manage and control payments to prevent fraudulent activities.
• Enhance financial control standards and ensure effective management of working capital, risk management, and disciplined financial best practices.
• Execute daily clearing and reconciliation of DBSA general ledger accounts.
• Timely processing of all journal entries, supplier invoices, and debtors’ invoices.
• Monthly preparation of financial information used in financial reporting and management reports.
• Prepare and reconcile creditors' and debtors' accounts.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including variance reporting in collaboration with business.
• Assist and contribute towards the preparation of annual and interim IFRS compliant annual financial statements of the Bank.
• Contribute and assist management with annual external audit processes and preparation of regulatory submissions.

Management Reporting and Information Systems

• Analyse and report on the Bank’s income and expenses, providing insights to the business.
• Provide support in forecasting and scenario planning for both corporate and divisional operations.
• Provide management reporting information for the Finance and Business Heads, CFO, CEO, and Board.
• Lead the accounts payable function to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reliability of business information for decision-making, trend analysis, forecasting, and action planning.
• Align financial policies, procedures, and strategies with SAP FICO design to reflect business and financial rules.
• Drive continuous improvement in management information reporting and system enhancements within the finance division.
• Review actions against the organisational plan (Balance Score Card) and consider the "big picture" when identifying opportunities.
• Stay informed about DBSA’s business functions and industry developments.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, financial, tax, VAT and related matters, including Treasury and PFMA requirements.
• Prepare or review journal entries for accuracy and potential errors.
• Collaborate with business and other finance functions to ensure timely and accurate management reporting.
• Ensure correct VAT on accounts payable and receivable transactions.
• Participate in ad hoc financial projects to enhance financial control across the business.

Transactional Processing and General Ledger Management

• Oversee accounts payable, receivable, and payroll processes to ensure timely payments and collections, maintaining good supplier and employee relationships and healthy cash flow.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger as this is the foundation for reliable financial reporting and audit compliance.
• Perform reconciliations and ensure accurate journal entries to detect and correct errors early, ensuring the accuracy of financial data and preventing fraud.

Internal Control and Risk Management

• Implement and monitor financial controls to safeguard assets, ensure data accuracy, and prevent unauthorised transactions.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks to protect the DBSA from financial losses and operational disruptions.
• Ensure adherence to governance and compliance frameworks to promote ethical behaviour, accountability, and regulatory compliance.

Stakeholder Management and Reporting

• Provide direction and management to colleagues in the accounts payable function.
• Provide financial insights to management and business units to help non-financial managers understand the financial impact of their decisions and actions.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure open communication and a deep understanding of the Bank’s operations.
• Support business decision-making with financial data to improve efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness.

Team Leadership and Management

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Set clear goals, provide guidance, and support professional development.
• Monitor team performance and promote continuous learning and innovation.

Key Measurements of Outputs

• Timeliness of accounts payable and subsistence and travel payment.
• Accuracy rate of financial information (e.g., number of audit findings)
• Risk mitigation actions implemented
• Stakeholder satisfaction scores

Minimum Qualification

• A Bachelors Degree in Accounting and 3-year articles in auditing or Training Outside Public Practice (TOPP).

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Working knowledge of banking payment channel including processing, verification, cut-off times and basic troubleshooting.
• Understanding of internal controls and segregation of duties, including dual authorisation and audit trail requirements.
• Ability to identify and resolve processing discrepancies by analysing supporting documents and transaction records.
• Knowledge of IFRS and VAT laws.
• Strong understanding of and a strong commitment to good corporate governance and specifically International.
• Reporting Standards (IFRS) and other regulatory requirements, including the PFMA.
• Strong SAP working knowledge.
• Advance Microsoft Excel working experience.
• Experience in a financial accounting role in financial services.
• Experience in SARS e-filing (value-added tax and PAYE).

Deadline:31st January,2026