Job Purpose
The Financial Accountant is responsible for delivering accurate and timely accounting, financial reporting, balance-sheet control and financial analysis for allocated areas within Vitality Finance Reporting. The role supports the Team Leader in maintaining an effective financial-control environment, identifying and mitigating financial risks, improving reporting processes, and identifying sustainable cost efficiencies.
Areas of Responsibility includes but are not limited to:
Prepare accounting journals and, where appropriately delegated, review journals prepared by others in accordance with approved controls.
Prepare, review and maintain complete balance-sheet reconciliations with clear and appropriate supporting documentation.
Investigate and resolve reconciling items, unusual transactions and aged balances within agreed reporting timelines.
Support the accurate and timely completion of month-end and year-end close and reporting activities.
Perform transaction validation, general-ledger review, variance analysis and trend analysis.
Prepare clear financial commentary explaining material movements, financial risks and emerging issues.
Support budget preparation, forecasting processes and budget-versus-actual tracking.
Monitor and support allocated accounts-receivable activities, including investigation and resolution of outstanding or unallocated balances.
Review or approve supplier orders, invoices, staff reimbursements and management expenses within formally delegated authority.
Support internal and external audits by coordinating evidence, responding to information requests and tracking resolution of findings.
Apply relevant accounting principles and assess the financial implications of contracts and commercial arrangements.
Maintain effective financial controls and promptly escalate control weaknesses, unresolved exceptions and financial risks.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, standardisation and cost management.
Perform ad hoc financial analysis and support finance-related projects as required.
Qualifications and experience
BCom degree or equivalent qualification, majoring in Accounting or Financial Accounting.
Minimum two years relevant experience in financial accounting or finance reporting.
Practical experience in month-end reporting, journal processing, balance-sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and audit support.
Sound working knowledge of IFRS and financial-control principles.
Advanced Microsoft Excel capability, including complex formulas, data validation, pivot tables, reconciliations and analysis of large datasets.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Experience interpreting contracts or complex financial arrangements would be advantageous.
Competency framework
Technical competencies
Behavioral competencies
Financial accounting and IFRS application
Accuracy and attention to detail
Balance-sheet control and reconciliation
Ethics, integrity and accountability
Financial reporting and analysis
Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Budgeting and forecasting support
Able to work well in a fast-paced environment
Internal controls and risk identification
Planning, prioritization and deadline management
Advanced Excel and data analysis
Initative, resilience and continuous improvement