Senior Accountant

Bongo Credit is a new consumer finance business being established in South Africa, backed by the experience of an international financial services group.

We are built on the principles of responsible lending, fair customer treatment, and full transparency - because we believe people deserve to understand exactly what they are signing up for.

We assess affordability carefully, protect customer data, and operate in full compliance with South African laws and regulatory requirements.

Our mission is simple: to provide financial products that are clear, accessible, and genuinely suitable for the people who use them.

As we grow, we are committed to building lasting relationships - with our customers, our partners, and the regulators we work alongside.

If you want to be part of building something meaningful from the ground up.

Elevate your future: Join our adventure!

PURPOSE OF ROLE

Take ownership of the finance function as the sole in-country accountant, building accounting processes from the ground up with the support of an experienced international finance team. You will manage the full accounting cycle, including payroll, fixed assets, taxes, accruals, provisions, impairments, month-end and year-end close, and financial statements, while also supporting treasury, cash flow management, and financial controlling.

YOUR MISSION

• Take full ownership of the finance function as the sole accountant in South Africa, with support from the Group Finance team.
• Manage the full accounting cycle, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded in Sage X3 v12 and comply with Group accounting policies and IFRS.
• Prepare and review journals, accruals, provisions, prepayments, fixed assets, lease accounting (IFRS 16), loan accounting, interest calculations, and expected credit loss provisions (IFRS 9).
• Perform bank, balance sheet, intercompany, and general ledger reconciliations, resolving outstanding items promptly.
• Lead the month-end and year-end close process and prepare accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Prepare annual and interim IFRS financial statements.
• Prepare, review, and submit all statutory tax returns, including VAT, withholding tax, provisional tax, and corporate income tax, ensuring compliance with South African legislation.
• Maintain compliance with local statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements, while ensuring adherence to Group accounting policies and internal controls.
• Coordinate the annual external audit, preparing audit schedules and liaising with auditors.
• Monitor and report on the loan portfolio, including revenue recognition and IFRS 9 credit loss provisioning.
• Manage treasury activities, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and payment approvals.
• Assist in preparation of annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with the Group Finance team.
• Develop, improve, and automate finance processes and implement effective internal controls to support business growth.
• Provide accounting and tax guidance to the local business and collaborate closely with Group Finance on reporting and strategic initiatives.

YOUR PROFILE

• Qualified CA(SA) preferred; CIMA qualified candidates with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Completed articles with a reputable audit or accounting firm.
• 3–5+ years' post-articles experience, preferably within financial services, lending, or a credit environment.
• Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation (VAT, Corporate Income Tax, Withholding Tax) and IFRS, including IFRS 9 provisioning.
• Experience with loan book accounting and financial reporting within a lending or credit business.
• Proficiency in Sage accounting software (Sage X3 experience is advantageous).
• Exposure to fintech, digital lending, or other regulated financial services environments is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A unique opportunity to be the first Senior Accountant in South Africa and build the finance function from the ground up.
• A high-impact role with real ownership, working closely with an experienced international Group Finance team.
• The chance to help shape a fast-growing fintech business and contribute to expanding responsible access to credit.
• Exposure to an international business operating across Europe and Africa.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where initiative, accountability, and teamwork are valued.
• Opportunities for professional growth as the business expands.
• A competitive salary with performance-based incentives.

Application Question(s):

• What is your current employment status?
• What is your current or most recent position held?
• How many years of relevant experience in the field do you have?
• What is your current or most recent gross monthly salary?
• What is your expected gross monthly salary?
• When are you available to start?
• This role is currently fully office-based, with no hybrid working option. Please confirm if you are comfortable with this working model?
• Would you be interested in accepting a 2-year fixed term contract?
• Have you had experience of being a sole accountant? Please detail your role and responsibilities.

Work Location: In person