Assistant Accountant

Purpose of role:

The Assistant Accountant plays a vital role in supporting Senior Financial Accountants and Head of Finance with monthly and annual financial reporting.

The Assistant Accountant is responsible for preparing accurate, timely and error-free accounts in collaboration with a Senior Financial Accountant and in line with monthly deadlines.

The role further involves adding value to front office teams, leadership, clients, and shareholders, upholding a high standard of excellence and service throughout.

Duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for providing efficient and effective support to Prescient's broader finance team and procurement processes; and assist Head of Finance with the day-to-day operations of the finance function.

This role encompasses a wide range of financial responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Monthly bank statement processing and reconciliations (including credit cards).
• Monthly client fee calculations and invoicing in terms of signed mandates and/or SLAs.
• Cash flow management and forecasting.
• Preparing monthly accounting journals and supporting schedules.
• Performing account reconciliations to ensure data integrity.
• Supporting procurement processes and banking operations in line with Group control frameworks.
• Managing debtors and creditors to uphold financial discipline.
• Monthly reconciliation and settlement of intercompany balances.
• Calculating monthly Capital Adequacy Requirements.
• Assisting with tax compliance and reporting.
• Assisting with regulatory compliance and reporting.
• Adhering to monthly, quarterly and annual Group and Company specific reporting requirements.
• Cooperate with any internal audit requests and implement suggested changes where applicable.
• Liaising with external auditors as required to ensure a smooth and effective annual audit process.
• Contributing as a valued member of the Prescient Finance team.
• Cross-training and knowledge sharing across the greater finance team.
• Building and maintaining a trusted partnerships with the operating entity's broader teams.

The role requires attention to detail, sound financial judgment, and a strong commitment to collaboration and operational excellence.

Required experience:

• BCom / Hons Accounting / CIMA / SAPIA and 1-2 years' experience gained as an Accountant
• CA (SA)
• Exposure to Financial Services preferable (Fund Services, Unit Trusts, Investment Management, Stock Broking).
• Able to work on various IT systems [advanced Excel skills would be an advantage]
• Exposure to accounting systems.

Required Qualifications:

• BCom Accounting / CIMA / SAIPA / CA (SA)

Key competencies:

• Highly trustworthy and dependable, with a commitment to confidentiality and integrity.
• Demonstrates strong accountability, taking ownership of tasks and applying effective problem-solving skills.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all outputs.
• Possesses a strong work ethic; self-motivated, proactive, and results driven.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships through excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Exceptionally well-organized, structured, and methodical in approach.
• Bring a positive, energetic outlook to work, fostering a productive and collaborative atmosphere.

Why this role:

This is a fantastic role for a young accountant to apply their skills and learn more about a global Financial Services Group of companies. You will be mentored by seniors in the team, and you will enjoy great growth and challenge in this role.