General Accountant

Main purpose of the job

This role is responsible for supporting accurate financial records, robust contract oversight, and disciplined asset management in line with PFMA, NT, SCM and AGSA requirements for a Schedule 3A national public entity.

High level job objectives

2.1 Financial Reporting support

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and schedules in accordance with GRAP and National Treasury reporting frameworks.
• Monitor compliance with the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, NT guidelines and internal financial policies and procedures.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, including income reconciliations.
• Analyse financial information and provide variance analysis and commentary to the Cost and Management Accountant, Financial Manager and CFO as required.

2.2 Cost and Management Accounting Support

• Assist the Cost and Management Accounting function with the development, maintenance and refinement of costing models and methodologies.
• Support the allocation of costs to cost centres and projects, ensuring accuracy and consistency with approved frameworks.
• Assist in the preparation of management reports on cost centre and project performance, including variance analysis and trend identification.
• Provide financial information and insights to budget holders to support informed decision-making.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes by providing historical data, cost trends and analytical input.

2.3 Contract Management Oversight (Non-Procurement)

• Provide independent financial and compliance oversight over contracts, separate from the Procurement function, while budget owners maintain day-to-day contract management.
• Ensure that all approved contracts and contract amendments are accurately captured and maintained on the ERP system (e.g. D365), including contract values, durations, escalations and key milestones.
• Monitor contract spend against approved budgets and contract ceilings, and flag potential overspend, irregular or unauthorised expenditure to the CFO and relevant managers.
• Track key contract dates (such as expiry, renewal, notice and review dates) and proactively alert budget owners, Procurement and the CFO of upcoming actions required.
• Review contracts from a financial control perspective to identify risks, inconsistencies or non-compliance with PFMA, SCM policies and delegations of authority.
• Prepare periodic contract oversight reports for submission to the CFO, highlighting risk areas, performance issues and recommended actions.

2.4 Asset Management and Asset Register Oversight

• Maintain oversight of the Fixed Asset Register (FAR), ensuring that all additions, disposals, transfers and adjustments are timeously and accurately recorded.
• Coordinate and support periodic physical verification of assets, reconciling results to the FAR and addressing discrepancies with relevant departments.
• Ensure correct classification of assets, depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values in line with GRAP and internal policies.
• Assist with impairment assessments and related accounting entries where required.
• Support the development and implementation of asset management controls, procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare asset schedules and supporting documentation for external and internal audits.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Essential
  • Recognised BCom Accounting degree or equivalent (minimum NQF Level 7).
  • Completion of a 3-year articles/training contract (SAICA/SAIPA/ACCA or equivalent).
  • Postgraduate qualification in accounting (e.g. BCom Honours/CTA/Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting).
• Desirable
  • None

Experience

• Cost and management accounting experience, preferably within a public sector environment or with exposure to public sector clients: 3–5 years
• Input into Financial modelling: 2 years

Knowledge

• Essential
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of PFMA, Treasury Regulations, National Treasury Instructions, SCM prescripts and GRAP.
• Desirable
  • Professional membership with a recognised accounting body (SAICA; SAIPA; CIMA).

Technical Skills/ Functional Skills

• Essential
  • ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), Oracle or equivalent.
  • Advance computer literacy specifically in MS Excel.
  • Excellent communication skills Analytical, process management, and data management.
• Desirable
  • Basic understanding of Financial modelling.
  • Basic understanding of Financial budgeting and reporting.

Competency Profile: Behavioural

• Essential
  • Presenting and Communicating Information
  • Adhering to Principles and Values
  • Writing and Reporting
  • Analysing
  • Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
  • Planning and Organising
  • Working with People

Physical and other

• Essential
  • Business travel (Local and national).
  • Good health.