Finance Accountant – Utility-scale energy assets – Gauteng

Are you a talented Financial Accountant (who holds a CA or ACCA designation and has completed 3+ years of post-article experience) and who is looking for a new challenge in a dynamic role that will allow you to enter the RE market? Do you have a passion for renewable energy and a desire to make a positive impact on the environment but are also someone who doesn’t scare easily and has a ton of grit? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Our client, an innovative investment and finance company in the renewable energy space is seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join their team!

The firm currently has a major investment pipeline of utility-scale energy assets, and they play an active role in the acquisition of the companies and assets within their portfolio. Our client presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution and play a critical role in shaping the future of renewable energy investment strategies and developments for greenfield projects. They have entered into a unique partnership that offers the advantages of a strong global network, a distinctive business-building approach, and renewable energy expertise.

A key priority of the firm is to maximize the financial returns of their investments. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is a crucial metric that helps them measure the profitability of a particular investment over time. As such, they are ideally looking for individuals that have applied a deep financial understanding of optimizing IRR for solar PV, onshore wind, or BESS projects globally (but they are open to candidates that have transferrable project experience). This includes a strong knowledge base of financial models and analytical tools that can be applied to identify and mitigate risks, increase efficiencies, and maximize returns.

Our ideal candidate is keen to work in an international environment and is willing to adapt to European work culture – which means you need to be tough as nails and exhibit a high EQ, able to collaborate with a multitude of stakeholders with diverse cultures. As the candidate of choice, you should have expertise in managing foreign currency payments, executing payments, and performing monthly bank reconciliations. You were responsible for ensuring that financial statements are prepared in accordance with the following financial reporting standards such as IFRS and GAAP and ensured that they accurately reflect the financial position and performance of the organization.

You possess a strong understanding of the audit approach, and you are someone who takes pride in preparing high-quality financial reports and has a passion for ensuring accuracy and compliance. You are a detail-oriented and analytical thinker who is passionate about working with numbers and financial data. You have conducted a thorough review of the audit work papers to ensure adherence to sound audit theory and compliance and have identified technical issues before the audit file is reviewed and have resolved issues without financial implications. You have sound knowledge of preparing corporate income tax returns, assisting in the preparation of year-end statutory accounts, and aiding with budgeting and forecasting.

The firm is seeking an autonomous, globally astute, and perceptive individual, who can work seamlessly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The preferred candidate must be capable of handling pressing deadlines while prioritizing tasks and maintaining a high level of professionalism and accuracy – never someone who waits to be guided, but someone who can effectively deliver independently.

Get ready to put your financial expertise to the test as you navigate the exciting and ever-changing world of renewable energy investment. With this opportunity, you will gain exposure to global projects while being at the forefront of a global movement aimed at driving positive change through green energy. The company offers growth opportunities such as expanding out of the South African office, where you will manage the accounts of projects in international countries. You will also work with a team of like-minded individuals who share your passion and drive. If you're ready to turn up the wattage on your career and take on a thrilling new challenge, apply now, and let's power the future together!

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• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree with a specialization in accounting
• Professional certifications such as the Chartered Accountant (CA) or Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) designations

• Completed SAICA articles with a minimum of 3 years of post-article experience
• Finance Accounting experience working on solar PV, onshore wind, or BESS projects highly beneficial
• Experience in using ERP software such as Oracle Fusion
• Excellent understanding and experience in preparing monthly financial reports covering balance sheet, profit and loss, internal management reports, and cash flow statements
• Proficient knowledge of effectively managing the general ledger, which encompasses supervising monthly balance sheets, banking procedures, and reconciling inter-company transactions
• Accurate completion of monthly accruals, journals, fixed assets, and depreciation schedules with precision, in addition to providing weekly cash flow reporting

As the Financial Accountant, you will be responsible for ensuring that financial statements and accounts are prepared in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. The tasks involve aiding in the preparation of both indirect and corporate income tax returns, as well as aiding with the preparation of year-end statutory accounts. You will be expected to work with ledgers and reconciling accounts as well as manage foreign currency transactions and ensure compliance with IFR and GAAP. You will prepare weekly cash flow reports and monthly reports. You will also take up an important role in facilitating the international reporting process for global entities such as US GAAP and Spanish GAAP. Key responsibilities also include assistance with audits, budgeting, and forecasting to support business planning and decision-making, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements. Furthermore, you will be expected to liaise with external auditors, bank managers, and tax specialists.

• Proficiency in French and/or German is highly beneficial
• Excellent Computer skills: Pastel Accounting, CaseWare, MS Office
• Strong technical skills in financial accounting and reporting
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well in a team and independently
• Strong analytical skills