Specialist Accountant: Group Financial Reporting

What will you do?

Responsible for financial analyses or for a division providing financial accounting services for head office and/or group companies. Applies principles of accounting to analyse financial information and prepare financial reports.  Compiles and analyses financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger, documenting business transactions. Analyses financial information detailing assets, liabilities and capital. Prepares balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other reports to summarize and interpret current and projected company financial position. Audits contracts, orders and vouchers and prepares reports to substantiate transactions prior to settlement. Installs, modifies, documents and coordinates implementation of accounting systems and control procedures. Makes recommendations regarding the accounting of reserves, assets and expenditures. May have supervisory and/or client relationship responsibilities.

What will make you successful in this role?

Management reporting duties:

• Support the Sanlam Group budgeting process.
• Interim and annual reporting:  Preparation and/or co-ordinating of the Management Information (Shareholder Fund Reporting) sections
• Support bi-weekly Sanlam group forecasting
• Support monthly and quarterly MI reporting, including the data analytics and insights
• Perform MI to IFRS reconciliations
• Processing of SAP journals, where applicable
• Trial balance controls/Reconciliation accounts where applicable,
• Co-ordination and consolidation of the Group functional costs

Statutory reporting duties:

• Preparation and coordinating of inputs into the reporting cycles of the following entities
• Sanlam Limited Group and Shareholder Fund Reporting
• Sanlam Life Insurance Limited group and company
• Preparation of other subsidiary financial statements and management of audit process.
• Maintaining of a high level of technical competence in the areas of IFRS, especially recent implemented standards like IFRS 17.

Other functions:

• Updating of various group reporting timetables and key deliverables in Asana
• Documenting guidelines, processes and procedures where appropriate
• Contribute to projects to automate and optimise processes
• Audit liaison during interim and year end reporting periods
• All other ad hoc tasks that may be required from time to time

Qualification and Experience

• Qualified accountant (CA (SA))
• 4-5 years (minimum) in an accounting/financial environment
• Similar relevant experience in the insurance/financial industry
• Experience in using Sanlam’s financial reporting systems (SAP/Hyperion Financial Management) will be to your advantage
• Proficient in data analytics and the preparation of presentation. Proficient in the use of modern technology and digital solutions.
• Specialist Knowledge (preferably insurance industry): Understands technical or professional aspects of work and continually maintains technical knowledge (e.g. IFRS) 

Compentencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail.  Ability to research issues at a detailed level and having enthusiasm for tackling complex issues
• Quality orientated:  Shows awareness of goals and standards. Follows through to ensure that quality and productivity standards are met
• Planning and organisational skills: Organises and schedules events, activities and resources. Sets up and monitors timescales and plans
• Has the ability to work autonomously and with minimal guidance, but also knowing when to escalate issues encountered
• Good interpersonal skills:  Building and maintaining relationships.  Interacts with others in a sensitive and effective way. Respects and works well with others.
• Deadline driven
• Strategic orientated:  Demonstrates a broad-based view of issues, events and activities and a perception of their long-term impact or wider implications
• Innovative Thinking:  Creates new and imaginative approaches to work-related issues
• Stress Tolerance – deliver well under pressure
• Able to perform independently and as part of a team
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English
• Problem-solving and analytical Thinking:  Makes systematic and rational judgements based on relevant information
• Adaptive thinking:  Application of principles to variety of circumstances
• Flexible:  Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions
• Persuasive:  Influences, convinces or impresses others in a way that results in acceptance and agreement

Knowledge and Skills

Personal Attributes

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. 

The application closing date is 1 April 2026. 

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