Chief Accountant – Johannesburg

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Chief Accountant to lead the finance and accounting function for our South Africa operations. The role will serve as the primary finance partner to local management, ensuring accurate reporting, regulatory compliance and insightful business analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Lead full set of accounts, manage month‑end and year‑end closing, and prepare management accounts, financial statements and group reporting packages.
• Perform balance‑sheet reconciliations, cash‑flow forecasting and working‑capital management while ensuring compliance with group policies and internal controls.
• Analyse sales, margins and profitability, support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, and develop performance dashboards.
• Process monthly payroll, ensure compliance with South African PAYE, UIF, SDL and related statutory requirements, and manage employee benefits and reimbursements.
• Coordinate external audits, prepare VAT, corporate tax and other statutory filings, and liaise with tax advisors, banks and regulators.
• Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, treasury activities, inventory accounting and approve payment vouchers and expense claims.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support continuous enhancement of finance controls.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification (e.g., CA(SA), CPA, ACCA) preferred.
• Proven experience in senior accounting roles, preferably within a multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of South African accounting standards, tax legislation and payroll regulations.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills