Financial Accountant

Purpose of the Role:

The role of the Financial Accountant exists to ensure the smooth running of Dis-Chem Life's financial operations by maintaining accuracy, discipline, and compliance across all financial processes. By managing creditors, payroll, reconciliations, and reporting, this role provides the foundation for sound financial decision-making and business integrity.

The Financial Accountant is the guardian of process and accuracy ensuring that every payment, report, and record reflects reliability, compliance, and attention to detail. In doing so, this role protects the business from risk, enables operational efficiency, and ensures that leadership always has timely and accurate financial information to make decisions with confidence.

Role Summary

The Financial Accountant is responsible for supporting day-to-day financial operations, including creditors, payroll, management accounts, reconciliations, and financial reporting. This role requires precision, discipline, and the ability to work to strict timelines.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality. This role demands someone who thrives in a structured environment, can juggle multiple responsibilities, and ensures financial policies and procedures are always adhered to. Ultimately, success is measured by accurate records, timely reporting, and the reliability of financial information presented to management.

Benefits:

• Purpose-led role where accuracy and reliability directly impact business performance.
• Exposure to a growing financial services business in the life insurance sector.
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for growth.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of financial processes, from creditors to management accounts.
• Training and development to strengthen technical financial skills.

Key Responsibilities

Creditors

• Monitor and maintain the invoices mailbox.
• Process supplier invoices/credit notes on the accounting system.
• Ensure all invoices comply with VAT requirements.
• Assist in invoice approval by attaching relevant reconciliations and supporting documents.
• Load creditor payments on the online banking profile.
• Allocate payments and credit notes accurately.
• Liaise with creditors on queries and disputes.
• Prepare accrual schedules and creditor reconciliations for management accounts.

Payroll

• Upload ACB/CSV payroll payment files to the banking profile.
• Process payroll journals in the accounting system.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations for management account purposes.

Management Accounts

• Prepare financial reports, including prepayment schedules, bank reconciliations, and accrual schedules.
• Support the preparation of robust monthly management accounts.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of accounting records.
• Assist with year-end audits and preparation of financial statements.

Office Administration

• Order and manage office supplies.
• Liaise with office suppliers regarding queries and orders.
• Ensure facilities are maintained and serviced as needed.

General

• Uphold financial policies and internal controls.
• Maintain strict confidentiality on payroll, creditor, and banking information.
• Adhere to timelines to ensure leadership has timely financial insights.

Soft Skills:

• Strong organisational and multitasking ability.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Punctual, reliable, and self-motivated.
• Integrity and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective conflict resolution abilities.
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently.

Skills and Experience:

• 2–3 years of experience in financial administration, bookkeeping, or accounting.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, financial systems, and statutory regulations.
• Hands-on experience with accounting software (Xero advantageous).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience preparing reconciliations, reports, and supporting audits.

Qualifications:

• Higher Certificate in Accounting or similar (essential).
• BCOM Accounting Degree (Advantageous)
• Clear Criminal and Credit Record (essential).