Financial Accountant (Fixed Term)

Job Advert Summary

To safeguard the integrity, completeness and auditability of assigned financial information by managing debtors and sundry receivables, applying GRAP 104 expected credit loss requirements, coordinating debt recovery and write-off processes, maintaining the fixed asset accounting function, processing compliant and timely payments, reconciling selected Statement of Financial Position accounts, resolving internal and external audit findings, and reviewing finance policies, procedures and internal controls. The role supports accurate financial reporting, effective asset stewardship, compliance with the PFMA, National Treasury prescripts, Standards of GRAP, TIA delegations, and approved finance policies and procedures.

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes; we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people’s lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

Minimum Requirements

Qualification

• BCom Accounting, BCompt or equivalent NQF Level 7 accounting qualification.
• Postgraduate qualification in Accounting or Finance; completed SAICA articles or equivalent professional training; progress toward CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA or another recognised professional designation will be ideal.

Work Experience

• At least 5 years relevant financial accounting experience, including practical exposure to receivables, reconciliations, payments, fixed assets, journals and audit support.
• Five or more years in a public entity or GRAP reporting environment, with direct responsibility for GRAP 104 ECL calculations, annual financial statement schedules, audit action plans and policy or procedure review will be ideal.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial

• Maintain accurate debtor, sundry receivable and customer records, including invoices, credit notes, receipts and supporting documentation.
• Issue invoices and statements on time and ensure transactions are correctly recorded in the appropriate period and accounts.
• Conduct monthly debtor ageing reviews, investigate disputes and unallocated balances, follow up outstanding debts and escalate overdue accounts.
• Reconcile debtor sub-ledgers and supporting schedules to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
• Liaise with business units, customers, legal services and other stakeholders to validate balances and support debt recovery.
• Prepare receivables schedules, reporting information and financial statement disclosures.
• Apply the approved GRAP 104 Expected Credit Loss (ECL) methodology, including assessing approaches, calculating provisions and maintaining supporting models and audit trails.
• Prepare quarterly and annual ECL models, reconciliations, journals and disclosures, incorporating ageing, recovery history, credit risk indicators and forward-looking information.
• Maintain debt recovery and litigation registers and coordinate approved recovery actions, including demands, payment arrangements, set-offs and legal collections.
• Assess recovery efforts and prepare complete write-off submissions, process approved write-offs and recoveries, and monitor previously written-off debts.
• Review payment packs for completeness, accuracy, approvals, budget availability, tax treatment and compliance with contracts, delegations and TIA policies.
• Process authorised supplier and operational payments accurately within approved and statutory timelines.

Stakeholder

• Build effective relationships with Finance, SCM, Legal, HR, IT, Facilities, business units, customers, suppliers and governance structures.
• Resolve finance, debtor, payment, asset and reconciliation queries accurately and within agreed service standards.
• Communicate outstanding actions, control gaps and financial risks clearly and professionally.
• Coordinate asset verification, movements, losses, disposals and recoveries with relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain professional, evidence-based relationships with internal and external auditors.

Internal Business Processes

• Manage the fixed asset register and ensure accurate recording of acquisitions, transfers, depreciation, impairment, disposals, losses and write-offs in line with TIA policy and GRAP.
• Perform asset reconciliations, depreciation reviews and impairment assessments, and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate annual asset verification, disposals, recoveries and related approvals.
• Support the Asset Management Committee, reporting and audit requirements.
• Prepare and maintain monthly reconciliations for debtors, receivables, staff debtors, prepayments, deposits, fixed assets, accruals and other assigned accounts.
• Reconcile GL balances to supporting records, investigate variances and process approved corrections.
• Maintain reconciliation exception registers and certify assigned balances.
• Prepare schedules and supporting information for management, statutory and annual financial reporting.
• Coordinate timely responses to internal and external audit requests and prepare supporting evidence.
• Track audit findings, corrective actions and closure evidence, escalating overdue matters.
• Analyse recurring findings and recommend sustainable control and process improvements.
• Review and update finance policies, procedures, templates and controls to ensure compliance with GRAP, National Treasury requirements and legislation.

Learning and Improvement

• Achieve agreed performance objectives and standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of GRAP, PFMA, National Treasury requirements and relevant TIA policies.
• Complete professional development activities and share knowledge with finance colleagues and business users.
• Demonstrate TIA values, ethical conduct, confidentiality, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Effectively use authorised finance systems and maintain accurate electronic records and audit trails.
• Identify opportunities for automation, stronger controls and improved reporting.
• Safeguard confidential financial, supplier, customer and employee information.