Financial Accountant

Company Description: EcoPlanet Bamboo is advancing global reforestation through a portfolio of bamboo projects across Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with additional smallholder operations under development in East Africa. The company focuses on industrializing bamboo as a tree-free, deforestation-free alternative fiber for timber-dependent industries. By converting degraded land into certified bamboo plantations, EcoPlanet Bamboo supports restoration while reducing pressure on natural forests. Its innovative technologies enable bamboo-based solutions for products traditionally reliant on wood, such as pulp and paper, textiles, engineered timber, and bioenergy. EcoPlanet Bamboo provides a secure and sustainable raw resource for industries, companies, and consumers committed to environmental responsibility.

Role Description: This is a full-time, on-site Financial Accountant role based in Port Alfred. Accurate financial reporting, cash and compliance management, and stewardship of company assets (including fuel, fleet and equipment), in partnership with operations.

Key performance areas:

Financial Management & Reporting

· Allocate bank transactions in QuickBooks within 1 business day.

· Complete monthly bank and ledger reconciliations by the 3rd working day.

· Process journal entries and maintain the general ledger.

· Prepare monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and complete month-end close before the deadline.

· Perform variance analysis on all deviations greater than 5% and report explanations to management.

· Assist with preparation of Annual Financial Statements and support audits and corporate reporting requirements.

Treasury & Cash Management

· Monitor company bank accounts, deposits and balances daily; report variances to management.

· Prepare the weekly cash flow and maintain a cash forecast within ±5% accuracy.

· Review payment batches before release to prevent duplicate or incorrect payments.

· Manage accounts receivable, including invoicing and collections tracking.

· Manage petty cash and prepare monthly petty cash reconciliations.

Payroll & Statutory Compliance

· Hold overall responsibility for payroll processing and payroll accounting.

· Process payroll accurately from verified timesheets (Beyond Attendance, Farm Management and the HR Manager).

· Reconcile payroll monthly and record it in the financial statements.

· Submit EMP201 (PAYE, UIF, SDL) and VAT returns on time, with zero penalties.

· Reconcile VAT for each return period.

· Review payroll and expense records for accuracy and compliance.

Fuel & Fleet Management

· Complete bulk diesel reconciliations monthly.

· Oversee physical diesel counts and investigate any variance of 1% or more.

· Monitor fleet card balances and transactions weekly.

· Analyse diesel cost by farm and by equipment type (tractors, bakkies, bikes, generators).

· Investigate abnormal fuel usage within 5 working days and report findings to operations.

Fixed Assets & Inventory Control

· Update the fixed asset register monthly (additions, disposals, transfers and depreciation).

· Coordinate the annual physical verification of assets.

· Monitor fleet licences, insurance and service intervals.

· Reconcile equipment, including chainsaws, pumps, GPS units, generators and tools.

Procurement & Accounts Payable

· Approve procurement spend within budget allocations.

· Enforce three-way matching: supplier invoices are matched to POs and Job Cards before payment.

· Record procurement transactions in accounts payable and process supplier payments.

· Reconcile supplier accounts monthly.

· Maintain the vendor master file, including verification of new suppliers and banking detail changes.

· Ensure no duplicate payments are made.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

· Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations monthly.

· Review user access to QuickBooks and banking platforms quarterly.

· Follow up and resolve audit findings within agreed timelines.

· Identify fraud risks and recommend controls to mitigate them.

· Complete the Monthly Critical Controls Checklist.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

· Propose and deliver approved finance process-improvement projects that produce measurable savings (e.g. automated fuel dashboard, payroll reconciliation, AP workflow improvements).

· Document and digitise finance SOPs.

· Undertake ad hoc finance projects to improve efficiency.

Communication & Leadership

· Prepare for weekly finance meetings and complete agreed action items.

· Communicate and collaborate with operations in a timely way.

· Escalate issues to management early.

· Coach and support administrators in financial processes.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of accounts payable & receivable, general ledger and payroll experience in a corporate environment
• Knowledge of payables, budgeting and accounting best practices
• Experience with financial transaction reporting.
• Experience in supporting payroll processing and making payroll taxes.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office suite and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)
• Understanding of tax obligations and reporting requirements for payables
• Knowledge of GAAP and IFRS
• Strong quantitative and analytical ability
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Relevant accounting, finance or related field qualification

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a competitive remuneration package, growth opportunities and a platform from which to do exciting and meaningful work with an ambitious and passionate team in a vibrant global company that is working towards driving sustainable change.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should email a cover letter expressing their interest in the position and how their background meets the requirements of the role, as well as a CV to zmngcai@ecoplanetbamboo.com.

Only qualified candidates will be responded to. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Pay: From R25 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person