Project Accountant

This giant entity is lookinf for a Project Accountant to manage and oversee all financial aspects of projects by tracking costs, budgets, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle. The Project Accountant supports project managers and the finance team by providing accurate financial data, ensuring compliance with company policies, and contributing to the successful delivery of projects within budget and on time.

Project Financial Management

• Prepare, monitor, and control project budgets, forecasts, and financial plans  Track project costs, commitments, and expenditures against approved budgets  
• Manage project cash flow and funding requirements
• Prepare cost-to-complete analyses and identify financial risks or overruns early  
• Ensure accurate cost allocation between projects, departments, and cost centres Support project managers with financial data for decision-making and project planning
• Verify and process project-related supplier invoices, ensuring alignment with contracts and purchase orders
• Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare monthly and quarterly project financial reports and dashboards  
• Conduct detailed variance analysis and provide commentary on project performance Support consolidated reporting for ongoing capital and operational projects
• Reconcile project accounts and ensure financial integrity of all transactions
•  Provide financial insight on project profitability, cost recovery, and return on investment (ROI)

Contract, Billing, and Revenue Management

• Review project contracts and identify key financial terms and milestones
• Monitor and manage billing schedules, progress claims, and revenue recognition  
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing in line with project progress and deliverables  
• Liaise with procurement and suppliers regarding payment claims, retentions, and contract close-out

Audit, Compliance, and Governance

• Maintain project documentation for audit and compliance purposes
• Ensure all project costs and revenue are compliant with IFRS and internal accounting policies
• Support internal and external audit requests and resolve audit queries promptly
• Uphold financial governance across all project activities
• Systems and Process Improvements
• Maintain accurate data within ERP and project management systems  
• Contribute to ERP system enhancements and reporting automation  
• Identify and implement process improvements for better project cost control and reporting accuracy
• Project Closure and Capitalization
• Prepare project close-out reports and ensure all costs are fully captured  
• Capitalize completed assets in line with company accounting policy  
• Conduct post-project financial reviews to compare actual vs budget performance and lessons learned

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Financial Management, or related discipline 
• Completed SAICA Articles or equivalent accounting training (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in accounting, financial reporting, or management accounting
• Experience in managing project budgets, tracking expenditure, and forecasting cash flow  
• Exposure to capital expenditure (CapEx), infrastructure, or manufacturing projects advantageous  
• Experience working with cross-functional project teams (Finance, Engineering,
• Operations, Procurement)  
• Proven experience with ERP systems (Oracle R12 or similar) and project accounting modules
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office 365
• Hyperion (advantageous) 
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, project cost control, and accounting principles
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver under pressure
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and analytical capability