Financial Assistant

SUMMARY:
Leading Consumer Goods distributor requires a Financial Assistant based in JHB. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive financial and administrative support to the finance department by managing daily accounting processes, maintaining accurate financial records, processing payments and invoices, and assisting with financial reporting.

The role is responsible for supporting accounts payable and receivable functions, supplier account management, reconciliations, payroll administration, budgeting support, and audit preparation while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and high levels of supplier service.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Capture and update daily financial transactions on accounting systems and spreadsheets
• Prepare and maintain balance sheets and financial reports
• Track, reconcile, and maintain bank statements and account records
• Compile cost analysis reports, including fixed and variable costs
• Process tax-related payments and maintain supporting documentation
• Assist with monthly payroll administration and maintain accurate payroll records
• Process and reconcile accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions
• Capture, process, and follow up on supplier and customer invoices
• Liaise with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders regarding finance-related queries
• Provide financial and administrative support during budgeting processes
• Assist with quarterly and annual financial audits
• Resolve internal and external supplier queries efficiently and professionally
• Apply a sound understanding of debit and credit principles in daily financial transactions
• Maintain high levels of supplier service through efficient administration and prompt query resolution
• Assess and action blocked accounts relating to credit terms, limits, or liquor licence requirements, ensuring suppliers are contacted promptly
• Prepare and reconcile creditor reconciliations accurately and timeously
• Allocate payments and remittances correctly to supplier accounts
• Distribute supplier remittances on a monthly basis
• Maintain accurate filing systems and ensure all financial records are audit-ready
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures at all times

• Matric certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics

• Previous experience in a Finance Assistant, Finance Officer, Accounts Assistant, or similar finance-related role
• Sound understanding of accounting and bookkeeping principles and procedures
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, reconciliations, and financial formulas
• Experience working on accounting systems such as Pastel Evolution or similar financial software
• Proven ability to compile, maintain, and produce accurate financial records and reports
• Experience handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, invoicing, and supplier queries

• Strong organisational and time-management abilities with the capacity to meet deadlines
• Ability to gather, interpret, and process financial information accurately within business processes
• Good understanding of accounting principles, including journals, allocations, debits, credits, and reconciliations
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies or numerical errors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a finance team
• Professional communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with suppliers, clients, and internal stakeholders
• Customer-service orientated approach with strong administrative and query-resolution skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information professionally