Mea Operations Accounting Mgr

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a self-starter with strong financial acumen and a passion for driving results. As the Accounting Lead for Working Capital Management and Financial Reporting, you will oversee a dynamic team of six, leveraging support from a shared services center to ensure the seamless execution of key finance functions. Your role will encompass managing supplier payments, accounts receivables, financial reporting, and compliance while optimizing accounting systems and driving process improvements. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, external auditors, and cross-functional teams to enhance financial controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. This role offers significant exposure to strategic decision-making and process transformation, making it an excellent opportunity for career growth and leadership development.

**QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE**
- Knowledge of US GAAP, Companys Act of 2008 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Experience of working with India shared services.
- Understanding of how Accounting iERP systems and ledgers work
- Prior experience on preparation of Annual Financial Statements and management of working capital
- Prior SAICA articles experience with minimum two years post articles experience
- BCOM Honors in Accounting or Equivalent
- Chartered Accountant CA(SA)

Working capital management
- Ensure Supplier Payments are made timely and accurately.
- Managing accounts receivables collections and ageing processes.
- Review operations metrics regularly with center of excellence and providing solutions or seeking guidance on how to resolve any issued identified.
- Providing support and recommendation on correct accounting for inventory, receivables and payables system transactions
- Ensure adequate reserves were maintained for doubtful receivables & debit balances. Review the balances prior to each quarter close
- Intercompany accounting - resolving any intercompany mismatch balances identified within intercompany balances prior to each month / quarter-close.
- Centre of Excellence review - Review SLAs annually and provide feedback on areas for improvement
- South Africa Business Owner responsibilities for Accounting Systems (EuroVAC, GAPS etc)
- Management and clearance of systems suspense transactions and reconciliation to ledger accounts
- Management of processes for Manual Accountable Documents used within the company
- Managing the travel systems and processesAssessing company stock for impairment based on latest sales auction values and profitability/lossesFinancial Reporting:

- Leading the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements (monthly, quarterly, annual) in accordance with Companys Act and IFRS.
- Overseeing the companys month-end and year-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals. Ensuring compliance with Ford Finance Manuals and public accounting standards and regulations (US GAAP, Companys Act, IFRS).
- Analyzing monthly, quarterly and annual financial data to identify trends, variances, and potential risks, unusual risks and potential errors within the numbers.
- Producing comprehensive financial reports for senior management and stakeholders.
- Coordinate with external auditors during the audit process and ensuring all required evidence is produced., providing necessary documentation and explanations.
- Assuming ownership over management of Ford ledger systems (SAP) and supporting with the launch of new iERP SAP modules in 2025 and 2026.
- Supporting other finance teams, business and legal team with Accounting guidance on complex accounting transactions requiring Companys Act and IFRS knowledge.
- Quarterly corporate reviews - substantiating reasons for balance sheet receivable and payables movements within quarter end deadlines
- Supporting with corporate quarterly contingent liability reportingManaging debtors cashflow allocations and lending arrangement between Ford Credit and FMCSA and ensuring correctly accounted for.Control environment:

- Managing on time completion of SOX testing allocated to Accounting team
- Periodic review of own processes and raising Internal Control deficiencies where insufficient controls exist and ensuring successful closure, implementation and monitoringDriving on time OIC implementation and planningOther:

- Strong team management and employee coaching skills
- Good communication and listening skills
- Self-starter and team player
- Attention to detail
- Be able to work under pressure and to multitask
- Providing solutions for adhoc activities that require Accounting expertise