Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The Group Chartered Accountant (CA) is responsible for delivering expert financial management, taxation, accounting, and compliance services across the Group. Working closely with the CFO, this role ensures the accuracy of financial reporting, compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks, robust internal controls, and the smooth operation of financial systems. The CA is pivotal in safeguarding financial integrity, supporting audits, enhancing debt collection, and ensuring that resources are managed in alignment with AIFT's strategic and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

A. Financial Reporting & Compliance

Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS, GAAP, and the Companies Act. Compile audit files and liaise with external auditors to achieve unqualified audit opinions. Ensure timely submission of tax returns, VAT, and statutory filings (SARS, DHET, CHE, SAQA). Uphold adherence to internal accounting policies and financial controls.

B. Budgeting & Forecasting

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

C. Internal Controls & Risk Management

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

D. Systems & Process Management

Utilise and enhance financial systems (ITS Integrator, BI tools, or equivalents). Oversee accurate, timely transaction capture across campuses and business units. Recommend process improvements for efficiency, automation, and reporting.

E. Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with campus managers, credit controllers, and academic leaders to strengthen fee recovery. Prepare financial packs for management, the AFRC, and other stakeholders. Support the CFO in engagements with banks, regulators, and funders.

F. Team & Capacity Development

Mentor junior accountants and finance clerks. Share expertise in compliance, reporting, and system usage. Promote a culture of ethical, transparent financial practice.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

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

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Financial Reporting:

Accurate and timely monthly/quarterly/annual accounts.

Compliance:

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

Internal Controls:

Monthly bank and GL reconciliations completed.

Fee Collection:

Year-on-year improvement in debtor recovery.

Budgeting:

Monthly variance analysis with corrective recommendations.

Systems Use:

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

Audit:

Audit files completed and signed off within deadlines.

Taxation:

Full compliance with SARS and other statutory requirements.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From R40000,00 per month

Work Location: In person