Cost and Financial Accountant

A multinational organisation operating across Africa is seeking an experienced Cost and Financial Accountant to join their finance team on a 3-month fixed-term contract. The role is full-time and office-based in Centurion with the flexibility of at least one work-from-home day per week. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 17h00. The Cost and Financial Accountant will manage a portion of the finance function for specific fuel entities from source entries through to Trial Balance. The role will focus heavily on accurate financial record-keeping, month-end discipline, inventory and fuel depot costing, and complex reconciliations between operational and accounting systems. Working closely with the Financial Manager, the successful candidate will help maintain strong financial controls, resolve system-related exceptions, and provide clear feedback on financial risks, blockers, and variances. This is a hands-on, fast-paced, and detail-oriented role suited to someone comfortable working with high-volume operational data, able to add value quickly with minimal hand-holding, and operate effectively under sustained deadline pressure. Responsibilities Manage accounting from source entries to Trial Balance for multi-territory fuel entities (Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana). Ensure accounting entries are booked correctly in the General Ledger and month-end deadlines are strictly met. Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations for all accounts and resolve differences quickly. Reconcile operational information to accounting records, tracking down system exceptions and data issues. Own inventory costing in the GL, standard costing, and related cost build-ups where applicable. Perform cost accounting for fuel depots and ensure supporting schedules agree perfectly to the GL. Support month-end reporting processes, external audit requirements, and local VAT submissions/reconciliations. Assist FP&A with variance analysis, deep dives, and monthly management report commentary. Ensure intercompany loan accounts balance and investigate any differences. Complete, review, and track financial workflows and tasks using structured task-management software (Jira). Assist with treasury payment approval requests, process documentation, and routine team queries. Requirements BCom Accounting degree or equivalent. Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience if qualified, or 8–10 years’ experience if not formally qualified. Direct exposure to inventory costing, standard costing, or cost accounting within high-volume operational environments (fuel, logistics, or depot environments heavily preferred). Experience working across Sub-Saharan Africa or within a multi-entity/multinational environment is highly advantageous. Good understanding of financial, tax, and operational requirements across multiple African territories. Advanced MS Excel skills, with strong numerical accuracy and analytical ability. Experience working with accounting software, payroll software, and automated operational data feeds (Xero, Business Central, or Power BI exposure is beneficial). Previous exposure to Jira or similar structured task-management tools is an advantage. Key Competencies Exceptional attention to detail and numerical accuracy. Strong analytical, cost accounting, and problem-solving skills. Comfortable dealing with complex, high-volume data and system exceptions. Self-motivated and able to add value quickly with minimal onboarding or hand-holding. Deadline-driven, organized, and highly resilient under pressure. Strong written and verbal communication skills (English) with practical relationship management skills. Absolute integrity and the ability to maintain strict financial confidentiality.