Financial Accountant - Stellenbosch Quality Foods Importer and Distributor

This highly rated premier food importer and distributor situated in Stellenbosch are well known for delivering the finest seafood, dried goods, confectionery items, artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits, exotic vegetables, and herbs to key industry leaders.

ProStaffSelect are in search of a qualified and experienced hands-on ACCOUNTANT with a background in the FMCG, Wine or Food industry. A candidate who values high levels of accuracy and attention to detail. A solutions-oriented team player who drives excellence and perseveres with transparency.

OVERVIEW

• The Accountant is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the company's financial records and supporting the Finance Manager in managing the financial operations of the business.
• The role requires a strong understanding of distribution, inventory management, imports, landed costing, foreign exchange transactions, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold (COGS). The successful candidate will assist in maintaining financial controls, investigating variances, supporting budgeting and forecasting activities, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• This position is suited to a hands-on accounting professional who is detail-oriented, analytical, commercially aware, and capable of working closely with operational departments to support sound financial decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• BCom Accounting, Finance, or related qualification.
• 4-6 years' experience in a distribution, wholesale, FMCG, manufacturing, or import environment.
• Experience with:

• Inventory reconciliations and valuation
• Landed costing
• Imports and foreign exchange transactions
• Cost of Goods Sold reporting
• Balance sheet reconciliations
• Management accounts preparation
• Budgeting and forecasting support

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working with ERP and inventory management systems.

Preferred

• Experience within an import and distribution business.
• Exposure to warehouse, logistics, and supply chain environments.
• Experience working with high-volume inventory.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial governance processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts and supporting schedules.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and maintain General Ledger integrity.
• Process and review journal entries, accruals, and provisions.
• Assist with month-end and year-end reporting processes.
• Support external audits and statutory reporting requirements.
• Monitor financial transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist the Finance Manager with the annual budget preparation process.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of monthly forecasts.
• Analyse budget versus actual results and investigate variances.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and working capital reporting.
• Prepare financial information and analysis to support management decision-making.

Inventory Management & Inventory Valuation

• Investigate stock variances and assist with identifying root causes.
• Review stock adjustments, write-offs, and inventory movements for accuracy.
• Assist with stock counts and cycle count processes.
• Ensure inventory valuations are accurate and in line with company policies.
• Monitor slow-moving, obsolete, and damaged stock and prepare supporting analysis.

Imports, Forex & Landed Costing

• Process and reconcile import-related transactions.
• Monitor foreign supplier accounts and foreign currency transactions.
• Assist in accounting for exchange rate movements and foreign supplier payments.
• Ensure import-related costs are accurately recorded and allocated.

Expenses & Financial Controls

• Review expenditure to ensure compliance with company policies and approval requirements.
• Assist with monitoring departmental spending against approved budgets.
• Verify supplier invoices and supporting documentation.
• Ensure appropriate approvals have been obtained before payment processing.
• Assist in identifying cost-saving opportunities and expenditure trends.
• Support the maintenance of internal financial controls.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Cash Flow Support

• Assist with creditor and debtor reconciliations.
• Review supplier reconciliations and payment schedules.
• Monitor customer account balances and support collection activities.
• Assist with cash flow monitoring and banking reconciliations.
• Ensure transactions are accurately recorded and appropriately supported.

Process Improvement & Operational Support

• Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements to the Finance Manager.
• Assist with implementing and maintaining financial procedures and controls.
• Support operational teams in resolving financial and inventory-related discrepancies.
• Assist with ad hoc financial analysis and projects.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail
• Process-oriented mindset
• Commercial awareness
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work across multiple departments
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Accountability and ownership of responsibilities