Group Financial Accountant

The role

This career opportunity is available at Santam’s Corporate Services in the Group Finance department. The role is based in Bellville, Cape Town

What will you do?

The Group Financial Accountant will participate in the financial accounting, management and statutory reporting function of the Santam group. It will include a variety of routine and non-routine tasks, of varying difficulty, as well as managing stakeholders, information contributors and processes.

This function encompasses both externally directed financial reporting to shareholders and the Board as well as internally focused financial accounting and reporting with regards to management reports. It includes the production of timeous and accurate financial results in the general ledger and consolidation system to be included in management reports, statutory financial statements and reports on the overall consolidated financial results for the Santam Group of Companies. It also includes supporting key activities such as month-end activities, account reconciliations, implementing and monitoring internal financial controls and supporting both internal and external audits.

What will make you successful in this role?

• An interest in both routine and non-routine tasks.
• An appreciation of the value of, and enthusiasm for, seemingly simple/mundane tasks or controls.
• Strict adherence to deadlines.
• Willingness to invest personal time.
• Ability to navigate multiple data sources and dig for information yourself.
• Ability to understand and properly respond to queries from various stakeholders.
• Willingness to grow and learn.
• Good IFRS technical knowledge.

Qualification and experience

• CA (SA) or similar qualification
• Minimum 5 – 7 years financial services experience
• Financial accounting and reporting experience in complex technical environments
• Experience in the insurance industry would be advantageous

Knowledge and skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of IFRS, including insurance accounting
• Insurance Act, Companies Act
• Tax knowledge
• Computer literate (Advanced Excel)
• Knowledge of and experience with JD Edwards and/or Hyperion Financial Management would be highly advantageous
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills
• Pro-active, results-orientated and deadline driven
• Skill to operate in a high-pressure environment
• Critical thinking skills and an eye for detail
• Problem solving
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders

Personal attributes

• Drives results
• Takes ownership
• Collaborates
• Client focus
• Flexibility and adaptability and resilience
• Cultivates innovation
• Analytical thinking
• Data Analysis
• Emotional Intelligence
• Critical Thinking

Who are we

Santam is South Africa’s leading general insurer, with a market share of approximately 24% and over 108 years of industry expertise. We provide a comprehensive range of general insurance products and services to individual, commercial and corporate clients across South Africa, Namibia and selected emerging markets through a network of intermediaries, direct channels and strategic partnerships. Our diverse portfolio includes motor, property, liability, engineering, agricultural, guest house, tourism, leisure and entertainment, and reinsurance solutions. We also offer specialised agricultural insurance products, including crop, asset and weather insurance, as well as claims, brokerage and SOS services. Serving more than one million policyholders, our client base ranges from individuals to commercial enterprises, specialist business owners and institutions. Headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, Santam was founded in 1918 and listed on the JSE in 1964. The Group also holds secondary listings on the Namibian Stock Exchange and A2X Markets Exchange and is a subsidiary of the Sanlam Group, one of Africa’s largest financial services organisations.

Santam Syndicate 1918 is a wholly owned and capitalised entity of Santam, established as a key component of Santam’s international growth strategy. Based in London, the syndicate plays a strategic role in expanding and strengthening Santam’s global footprint through access to London market expertise, distribution networks, and Lloyd’s worldwide insurance and reinsurance licences. Managed and operated from London, Santam Syndicate 1918 is led by a highly experienced leadership team committed to underwriting excellence, disciplined decision-making, and operational accountability. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where underwriting, claims, actuarial and other specialist teams work closely together to deliver superior underwriting performance, sustainable growth, and exceptional outcomes for our clients and partners.