Head of Projects (Accounting)

Job Advert Summary

The Head of Projects (Accounting) is responsible for leading and coordinating finance and accounting-related projects across the Group, ensuring the successful integration of new business streams, systems, processes and reporting requirements into the existing finance environment.

The role will drive finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives, with a strong focus on accounting processes, Group consolidation, financial reporting, cash flow management, governance, internal controls and operational efficiency.

The position will work closely with the Group CFO, finance teams, business units, external auditors, banking partners and other key stakeholders to ensure that finance projects and initiatives are delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed timelines.

The successful candidate will be expected to operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, identifying opportunities for improvement while also taking ownership of the implementation and execution of key finance initiatives.

At our company, we live by our ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy. We believe in fostering creativity and developing forward-thinking solutions to drive excellence. Our collaborative approach brings together diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals, while accountability ensures that we take ownership of our actions to build trust and credibility. We hold respect at the core of our interactions, valuing each individual’s contributions and treating everyone with dignity. Lastly, empathy guides us to understand and support others, creating a compassionate and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Financial Management or a related field.
• CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous.
• Relevant accounting or finance qualification.
• Minimum 5–8 years' relevant experience within a finance/accounting environment.
• Experience working at a senior accounting, financial reporting, finance transformation or project management level.
• Strong accounting and financial reporting experience.
• Experience with Group/company consolidation would be beneficial but not necessary.
• Experience working across multiple entities or business units would be beneficial but not necessary.
• Experience managing finance-related projects.
• Experience with financial process improvement and optimisation.
• Experience with VAT and financial compliance processes.
• Experience with payment reviews and financial controls.
• Experience managing or coordinating external audits.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and financial governance.
• Experience working with senior management/executives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting Projects

• Lead and coordinate Group finance and accounting projects, including new entities, business streams, systems and process integrations.
• Develop project plans, timelines, milestones and deliverables, ensuring alignment with Group objectives, policies and governance requirements.
• Coordinate with Finance, Operations, IT, external providers and other stakeholders to ensure effective and timely implementation.
• Identify and manage project risks, challenges and dependencies, providing regular progress updates to the Group CFO.

Finance Transformation & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve finance processes, reporting, workflows and overall efficiency.
• Drive process optimisation, automation and system improvements to reduce manual work, duplication and errors.
• Improve consolidation and reporting processes and timelines.
• Develop and maintain appropriate process documentation and standard operating procedures.

Group Consolidation & Financial Reporting

• Assist with the consolidation of Group financial information and accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness and timely reporting.
• Review and improve consolidation processes, investigate discrepancies and resolve accounting queries.
• Support Group financial reporting, management information and consistent reporting practices across entities.

VAT, Tax & Banking Administration

• Review VAT payments and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness prior to submission/payment.
• Support the Group CFO and external advisors with VAT and other tax-related matters.
• Coordinate Group banking administration, including account openings/closures, FICA requirements, approvals and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with banks and financial service providers and maintain appropriate records in line with Group governance requirements.

External Audit, Governance & Risk

• Coordinate communication between external auditors, the Group CFO and relevant finance teams, assisting with audit queries and resolutions.
• Identify recurring audit issues and recommend improvements.
• Support strong financial governance and internal controls by identifying risks, control weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with developing and implementing finance policies, procedures and controls, and monitor compliance.

Reporting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare and coordinate financial reports, management information, presentations and ad hoc financial analysis for the Group CFO and management.
• Provide meaningful insights and practical recommendations based on financial and operational information.
• Ensure reporting is accurate, relevant and delivered within agreed deadlines.

Stakeholder & Ad Hoc Support

• Build effective relationships with Group finance teams, senior management, operational departments, auditors, banks, advisors and other stakeholders.
• Provide ad hoc accounting, reporting, analytical and project support to the Group CFO.
• Take ownership of assigned finance initiatives, investigations and special projects, providing practical solutions to accounting, reporting and operational challenges.
• Perform any other reasonable duties aligned with the role and level of responsibility.