Financial and Cost Accountant

Position Overview

The Financial and Cost Accountant is a key member of the finance team, responsible for ensuring the
accuracy, integrity, and strategic value of financial data within the firm. Operating at a middle
management level, the incumbent will oversee core accounting functions, contribute to financial
planning and analysis, and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
This role requires a strong understanding of financial systems, cost accounting principles, and the
operational dynamics of a legal or professional services environment. The ideal candidate will
demonstrate high levels of analytical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex
financial processes across multiple departments.

Duties and responsibilities

Financial Systems Management

• Oversee the financial system processes related to billing and revenue recognition, ensuring timely and accurate closure of billing cycles.
• Maintain and update financial structures such as cost centres and profit centres to support effective reporting and analysis.
• Manage the chart of accounts to ensure it remains consistent, accurate, and aligned with organizational reporting requirements and financial controls.
• Monitor system to ensure all transactions are posted daily.

Management & Financial Reporting

• Prepare complete sets of monthly management accounts with supporting schedules.
• Compile and maintain month-end reconciliation files.
• Prepare the monthly fees report, ensuring accurate billing and promptly identifying any variances or discrepancies.
• Produce ad hoc financial and operational reports to support decision-making.
• Review allocation of monthly actuals versus budget into support service templates and prepare variance analyses.
• Review and analyse management accounts for subsidiary entities.

Audit and Year-End Reporting

• Prepare audit files and supporting documentation for external auditors.
• Coordinate the collection and submission of audit-related information across departments.
• Assist in the preparation and review of annual financial statements in accordance with applicable standards.

Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and submit monthly VAT returns and respond to related audits.
• Complete and submit STATSSA reports as required.
• Generate and present BBBEE management reports.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Assist in the development and consolidation of the annual budget.
• Monitor and update income statement budget rollouts.
• Conduct weekly petty cash counts and approve reconciliations.

Operational and Ad Hoc Duties

• Act as Commissioner of Oaths for internal documentation.
• Assist with screening and onboarding of new AP vendors; maintain and update vendor records.
• Submit SARS e-filing for transfer duty payments.

Skills and knowledge

• Proven experience in a legal or professional services environment (essential).
• Exposure to multi-currency accounting and reporting.
• Strong background in management accounting and cost control.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage high volumes of decentralized billing data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to work independently.
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities.
• Effective team leadership and collaboration skills.
• Aderant (CMS) experience will be beneficial.
• Clear criminal and credit history (must be disclosed upfront)

 Qualifications and Experience

• BCom Accounting or equivalent postgraduate qualification such as SAICA/ACCA/SAIPA.
• Completed articles.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in financial cost accounting, preferably within a legal or professional services firm