Financial Accountant – Head of Finance & Administration

About the role

This senior finance position is based in Durban North and will lead the finance and administration function for a multi‑national food‑processing group. The role includes overseeing the finance team in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and regular travel to build strong relationships on the ground.

Key responsibilities

• Manage all paperwork between the site in DRC and the head office in South Africa.
• Support HR activities such as work permits, visas and travel arrangements.
• Import fixed assets from other African countries and handle cash‑book payments, receipts and monthly petty‑cash counts.
• Oversee procurement, approve vendor applications and prepare monthly supplier reconciliations.
• Forecast cash flow per contract with project managers to ensure adequate funding.
• Ensure financial statements comply with IFRS, statutory and group requirements.
• Maintain tax compliance – submit VAT, payroll and other returns on time.
• Coordinate annual year‑end audit and manage financial and tax audit processes.
• Review general‑ledger transactions monthly for accurate cost allocation.
• Meet reporting deadlines set by the Central Finance team and advise on legislative changes.
• Maintain document retention and scanning requirements.
• Capture cash‑book entries (USD & CDF), manage petty‑cash authorisations and spot checks.
• Prepare supplier payment packs, organise bank licences and capture invoices in Pastel and Meat Matrix.
• Handle VAT calculation, payroll taxes (CNSS, ONEM, IPR) and WHT on rent.

Required profile

• Significant experience in finance/accounting within a multi‑national environment.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, South African tax regulations and audit processes.
• Proven ability to manage and develop finance teams, including remote oversight.
• Willingness to travel regularly to the DRC.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• SAGE X3 (advantageous)
• Pastel accounting software
• Meat Matrix invoicing system