Assistant Accountant

**Job Title**: Assistant Accountant
Christian Broadcasting Network Southern Africa
**Contract Type**: One -Year Fixed Term (with potential for extension)
**Work Arrangement**: Hybrid - two days in-office, half-day remote
**Location**: Westlake Business Park, Cape Town
**Reporting to**: Finance and HR Manager
Job summary
Overall objective
The Assistant Accountant will contribute to the financial health and integrity of the organisation by maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards, and supporting efficient financial operations. This role also includes elements of budgeting, asset management, and administrative oversight to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of finance-related activities.
Key responsibilities
Financial Accounting and reporting
Prepare and reconcile monthly accounts, including cash, credit cards, suppliers, and balance sheet items.
Maintain accurate financial records and documentation, including invoices, receipts, and expense reports, in compliance with accounting standards.
Support month-end and year-end closing by verifying transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports for management.
Assist in the preparation of audit lead schedules and ensure complete, organised supporting documentation.
Reconcile Salesforce donation reports to bank statements to ensure data accuracy.
Asset and Cash Management
Maintain and reconcile the Fixed Asset Register, ensuring accuracy, existence, and adequate insurance coverage.
Oversee the full asset lifecycle, including acquisition, maintenance, transfer, and disposal.
Manage petty cash, including all disbursements, receipts, and monthly reconciliations.
Reconcile travel advances and staff expense reports in line with the company travel policy.
Supplier and Contract Management
Liaise with suppliers to obtain outstanding invoices and statements; perform regular reconciliations and flag unpaid items.
Ensure all supplier and service contracts are up to date and assist with the preparation of Professional Services Agreements (PSAs).
Maintain the contract filing system and inform the Finance Manager of updates or disputes.
Budgeting and analysis
Assist in preparing and monitoring budgets for office and staff welfare, tracking expenses, and highlighting variances.
Support the Finance and HR Manager in compiling budget inputs, analysing expenses, and reviewing service providers.
Compliance and documentation
Ensure all financial transactions are properly supported, documented, and filed systematically.
Assist with the preparation and accessibility of finance-related forms and templates.
Ensure adherence to internal finance, operations, and HR policies and assist in reviewing them for relevance and risk mitigation.
Support compliance with tax filings (PAYE, UIF, income tax, and CIPC) and regulatory requirements.
Required Skills and qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum three years’ relevant experience in accounting or finance.
- Have your own vehicle with a valid driver’s license
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
- Solid understanding of accounting principles, auditing standards, and internal controls.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance staff.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines independently.
- Familiarity with local tax and regulatory requirements.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Commitment to Christian ethical values and the organisation’s mission.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic team environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Auditing, or a related field, A MUST
- Proven experience as an accountant, similar role of at least 5 years
- CA(SA), ACCA, SAIPA, AGA, or equivalent certification will be an advantage