Senior Fund Accountant

SUMMARY:
Sandton - Are you a financial expert with a knack for precision and a drive for excellence? We are seeking a Senior Fund Accountant who can take charge of financial controls, lead a team of accountants, and ensure flawless fund accounting for a leading player in the employee benefits administration sector.

POSITION INFO:
Our client is a leading player in the employee benefits administration sector, committed to providing exceptional financial services that empower organizations and their employees. 

As a Senior Fund Accountant, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity of our client's operations. You'll lead a team of accountants, oversee fund accounting processes, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, driving both accuracy and efficiency in our financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of monthly financial accounts, ensuring all entries are accurate and completed within 5 weeks post-month-end.
• Conduct thorough reviews and provide sign-off on monthly accounts within 6 weeks, ensuring compliance with internal standards and external regulations.
• Prepare and review quarterly C48 reports, ensuring timely submission and adherence to all financial guidelines.
• Process and manage all journal entries, ensuring they are correctly recorded in the General Ledger.
• Oversee the preparation and review of monthly bank reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Check and authorize payments, maintaining strict control over the release of funds in alignment with company policies.
• Plan and manage fund audits, coordinating with internal and external auditors to ensure a smooth and accurate audit process.
• Prepare and review annual financial statements, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements, including Regulation 28.
• Conduct internal post-audit reviews with fund accountants to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Provide training and guidance to Fund Accountants, helping them develop their skills and achieve their full potential.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Fund Accountants, ensuring workloads are balanced and deadlines are met.
• Lead regular meetings with administrative managers to prioritize tasks and implement new controls for improved operational efficiency.
• Drive the development and implementation of streamlined processes to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations.
• Analyze reports generated from Everest and work closely with developers to tailor these reports according to evolving needs, particularly for audits and trustee requirements.
• Log, escalate, and resolve both internal and external queries promptly, maintaining a high standard of customer service.
• Generate and collate system reports, ensuring they are accurate and meet the needs of internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, providing timely and informative feedback on financial matters.

• Minimum Matric with a "C" symbol in Mathematics
• Degree or Diploma in Finance/Accounting.
• SAICA /SAIPA/CIMA highly advantageous
• At least 5 years in a similar role
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is essential, alongside a solid grasp of financial systems.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently under pressure. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills are a must.
• Experience with working with developers/programmers highly advantageous.