Accountant: Midrand at Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Full Job Description - Read Carefully

Dis-Chem Pharmacies’ Head Office in Midrand has an opportunity available for an Accountant. To ensure accurate, complete, and timely financial processing and reporting of all business transactions. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, managing key accounting cycles (payables, receivables, journals, and reconciliations), and delivering reliable financial data to support both management decision-making and statutory compliance.

Job Specification...

Transaction Processing:

• Review, process, and post journal entries for recurring and ad-hoc transactions, including accruals, provisions, and adjustments.
• Ensure accurate capture of all transactions in the accounting system with correct general ledger (GL) coding, cost center, and project allocation.
• Maintain and reconcile the trial balance to ensure the completeness and accuracy of ledger accounts.
• Prepare supporting schedules for all GL accounts monthly (e.g., prepayments, accruals, deferred revenue).
• Investigate and resolve any discrepancies or unusual items in the ledger promptly.

Accounts Payable Processing:

• Verify supplier invoices for accuracy, proper authorization, and compliance with procurement and VAT regulations.
• Process supplier invoices in the accounting system, ensuring correct GL and VAT treatment.
• Reconcile supplier statements monthly and follow up on outstanding items.
• Prepare payment batches for approval in line with delegated authority.
• Monitor and manage accounts payable aging to ensure timely payments and optimal cash flow.

Accounts Payable Processing:

• Generate and issue customer invoices based on approved sales orders, service agreements, or project milestones.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and VAT treatment.
• Process and allocate customer receipts against invoices in a timely manner.
• Monitor customer accounts to ensure timely collections and maintain the AR aging report.
• Follow up on overdue accounts and escalate to management where required.
• Reconcile AR subledger to the general ledger monthly.

Bank & Cash Management:

• Post all bank transactions (receipts, payments, charges, interest, etc.) into the accounting system.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations for all company accounts.
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items promptly.
• Maintain an up-to-date cashbook supported by valid documentation.
• Assist in cash flow forecasting by providing actual and projected inflows and outflows.

Taxation & Compliance:

• Prepare and submit VAT reconciliations and returns within statutory deadlines.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant tax regulations and internal compliance requirements.

Financial Closing & Reconciliation:

• Manage the month-end close process, ensuring subledgers are closed and reconciled.
• Prepare and review detailed balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Compile management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Support audit preparation by providing working papers, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with external auditors and respond to audit queries in a timely and professional manner.

Reporting & Analysis:

• Prepare monthly management reports, analysing expense trends and highlighting anomalies or opportunities for cost optimization.
• Facilitate monthly financial review meetings with senior management to discuss results and performance drivers.
• Proactively engage with business unit leaders to understand operational challenges and financial performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
• Act as a trusted finance business partner to support informed, data-driven decision-making.
• Prepare and present ad-hoc financial analyses and reports as required.
• Coordinate with auditors, providing supporting schedules, explanations, and documentation.
• Preparation of annual financial statements.

Minimum Requirements…

Essential:

• Matric or equivalent Senior Certificate
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience, including full-function bookkeeping to trial balance
• Proficiency in SAP and MS Excel
• Experience in VAT compliance & audit preparation

Advantage:

• Recognised accounting or finance designation such as ACCA, SAICA, CIMA, or CPA
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced financial modules in platforms such as SAP or equivalent

Competencies...

Essential:

• Solid Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and relevant regulatory frameworks
• Cognitive skills
• Business acumen
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Quality orientation
• Leadership skills

Special conditions of employment...

• South African citizen
• MIE, clear criminal and credit
• Driver’s license and/or own reliable transport
• Occasional travel

Remuneration & benefits...

• Market-related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account