Job Description

: Chartered Accountant (CA)

Job Title:

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Reporting To:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location:

Group Headquarters (Umhlanga Rocks, with oversight of campuses and subsidiaries as required)

1. Purpose of the Role

The Chartered Accountant is responsible for providing professional financial management ,taxation, accounting, and compliance services across the Group. This role supports the CFO in ensuring accurate financial reporting, adherence to statutory and regulatory frameworks, internal controls, and efficient financial operations. The CA plays a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting audits, improving debt collection, and ensuring that institutional resources are managed in line with AIFT's strategic and operational objectives.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Financial Reporting & Compliance

Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS, GAAP, and Companies Act requirements. Assist in the preparation of audit files and liaise with external auditors to ensure unqualified audit opinions. Ensure timely submission of tax returns, VAT, and other statutory returns (SARS, DHET, CHE, SAQA). Monitor adherence to internal accounting policies and financial controls.

B. Budgeting & Forecasting

Assist in the preparation and consolidation of campus and group budgets. Provide variance analysis, financial forecasts, and performance reports to management. Support CFO in long-term financial planning and resource allocation.

C. Internal Controls & Risk Management

Implement and monitor internal financial controls to safeguard institutional assets. Maintain accurate reconciliations (bank, creditors, debtors, intercompany). Identify and escalate financial risks, fraud indicators, or compliance gaps.

D. Systems & Process Management

Use and enhance digital financial systems (ITS Integrator, BI tools, or equivalent). Ensure accurate and timely capture of transactions across campuses and business units. Recommend process improvements for efficiency, automation, and reporting accuracy.

E. Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with campus managers, credit controllers, and academic leaders to improve fee collection. Prepare financial packs for management, the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (AFRC), and other stakeholders. Support CFO in engaging with banks, regulators, and institutional funders when required.

F. Team & Capacity Development

Mentor junior accountants and finance clerks. Share knowledge on compliance, reporting, and use of financial systems. Contribute to a culture of ethical and transparent financial practice.

3. Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Preferably Chartered Accountant designation CA(SA) or CIMA (essential). Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (essential). Postgraduate qualification in Finance/Management (advantageous). Minimum 3-5 years' post-articles experience in financial accounting or auditing. Experience in multi-entity reporting (group structures) preferred. Familiarity with Higher Education compliance and reporting will be an advantage.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Financial Reporting:

Accurate and timely preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual accounts.

Compliance:

100% on-time submission of tax and statutory returns; no audit findings.

Internal Controls:

Bank and general ledger reconciliations completed monthly.

Fee Collection Support:

Year-on-year improvement in debtor recovery rates.

Budgeting:

Variance analysis reports delivered monthly with corrective recommendations.

Systems Use:

Efficient utilisation of ITS/BI tools; error-free transaction processing.

Audit Preparation:

Audit files completed and signed off on time.

Taxation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R30000,00 - R40000,00 per month

Work Location: In person