Senior Accountant

Job Specification - Senior Accountant

Company Brand: Lesaka Alternative Digital Products (EASYPAY)

Location: Cape Town - Plattekloof

Workplace Type: Hybrid (4 days onsite, 1 day remote)

Skill Level: Senior / Specialist Level

Reports To: CFO

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Senior Accountant is responsible for the full accounting function within Lesaka Alternative Digital Products (EASYPAY), ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all financial records in compliance with applicable accounting standards and internal policies.

The role plays a critical part in managing day-to-day financial operations - including financial reporting, month-end close, cash flow management, accounts payable and receivable, and treasury - while supporting budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes.

Operating in a fast-paced fintech environment, the Senior Accountant works closely with the CFO and cross-functional teams to deliver timely and accurate financial insights, maintain strong internal controls (including SOX compliance), and support the organisation’s financial decision-making and strategic objectives.

The Senior Accountant’s responsibilities include the following:

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

1. Financial Reporting and Analysis

· Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

· Analyse financial results and provide meaningful commentary and variance explanations to the CFO.

· Prepare and review Free Cash Flow reporting and analysis.

· Ensure all financial reports are accurate, complete, and delivered within agreed deadlines.

· Maintain and improve management reporting packs for EXCO and leadership review.

2. Month-End and Year-End Close

· Own and manage the monthly close process, ensuring all journals, accruals, and adjustments are processed accurately and on time.

· Review and clear balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving unreconciled differences timeously.

· Prepare and review journal entries, prepayments, depreciation, and accruals in line with accounting standards.

· Ensure the integrity of the general ledger across all entities and cost centres.

· Coordinate the year-end close process and manage deliverables for the external audit.

3. Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable

· Oversee the accounts payable function, including the review and authorisation of invoices, payment runs, and supplier reconciliations.

· Monitor accounts receivable, ensuring timely collection and accurate allocation of receipts.

· Manage vendor and customer relationships from a financial perspective, resolving disputes and queries professionally.

· Ensure AP and AR ageing is reviewed regularly and escalated where necessary.

4. Treasury and Cash Management

· Monitor daily bank account balances, cash positions, and funding requirements.

· Prepare and maintain short- and medium-term cash flow forecasts.

· Manage the repayment schedule of loans and facility utilisation.

· Liaise with banking partners and ensure all bank reconciliations are performed and signed off timeously.

· Identify liquidity risks and flag concerns to the CFO proactively.

5. Compliance, Controls and Governance

· Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS), tax legislation, and regulatory requirements.

· Review and submit tax documents, VAT returns, and other statutory obligations accurately and on time.

· Implement and monitor SOX controls within the EASYPAY environment, ensuring evidence is maintained and exceptions are escalated.

· Conduct periodic internal control reviews to identify gaps and drive remediation.

· Maintain a strong financial controls environment in line with group policy and audit requirements.

6. Budgeting and Forecasting

· Support the CFO in the preparation of the annual budget and periodic reforecast processes.

· Compile departmental budget submissions and ensure alignment with strategic financial targets.

· Track actuals versus budget and provide variance analysis with corrective recommendations.

· Assist with financial modelling and scenario planning as required.

7. Audit Support

· Act as a primary point of contact for external auditors during interim and year-end audits.

· Compile audit files, supporting schedules, and requested documentation accurately and within agreed timelines.

· Address audit queries promptly and implement audit recommendations.

· Maintain audit-ready records and documentation throughout the year.

8. Process Improvement and Systems

· Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve financial processes and reporting.

· Collaborate with IT and operational teams on system enhancements, ERP improvements, and data integrity.

· Maintain proficiency in accounting systems, settlement platforms, and financial reporting tools used within EASYPAY.

· Assist with ad hoc projects and analysis as requested by the CFO.

EXPERIENCE

· Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a financial accounting role, with at least 2 years at a senior or supervisory level.

· Experience in financial services, fintech, payments, or technology-driven businesses is highly advantageous.

· Hands-on experience with the full accounting function, including month-end close, financial reporting, and balance sheet management.

· Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

· Exposure to SOX controls, internal controls frameworks, and audit processes.

· Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel proficiency (VLOOKUP, pivot tables).

· Experience in a high-volume transactional environment with strict reporting deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (BCom Accounting or equivalent) - required.

· Completed SAICA, CIMA, ACCA, or SAIPA articles - strongly preferred.

· Professional accounting designation (CA(SA), CIMA, or equivalent) - advantageous.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools advantageous.

· Strong knowledge of IFRS, VAT legislation, and South African tax requirements.

· Proficiency in accounting and ERP systems; knowledge of fintech settlement or payment systems is a plus.

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

WORK BEHAVIOURS AND ATTRIBUTES

· High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability for the quality of financial output.

· Proactive and self-driven - anticipates challenges and takes initiative to resolve issues before they escalate.

· Positive energy and a can-do attitude; inspires confidence in the finance team and broader organisation.

· Able to work effectively under pressure and meet strict month-end and reporting deadlines.

· Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

· Collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships across departments.

· High level of integrity, discretion, and reliability in handling sensitive financial information.

· Adaptable and open to change in a dynamic, growing fintech environment.