This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a self-starter with strong financial acumen and a passion for driving results. As the Accounting Lead for Working Capital Management and Financial Reporting, you will oversee a dynamic team of six, leveraging support from a shared services center to ensure the seamless execution of key finance functions. Your role will encompass managing supplier payments, accounts receivables, financial reporting, and compliance while optimizing accounting systems and driving process improvements. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, external auditors, and cross-functional teams to enhance financial controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. This role offers significant exposure to strategic decision-making and process transformation, making it an excellent opportunity for career growth and leadership development.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of US GAAP, Companys Act of 2008 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)Experience of working with India shared services. Understanding of how Accounting iERP systems and ledgers workPrior experience on preparation of Annual Financial Statements and management of working capitalPrior SAICA articles experience with minimum two years post articles experienceBCOM Honors in Accounting or EquivalentChartered Accountant CA(SA) 

POSITION DETAILS

Responsibilities / Accountabilities

Working capital management:

Ensure Supplier Payments are made timely and accurately. Managing accounts receivables collections and ageing processes. Review operations metrics regularly with center of excellence and providing solutions or seeking guidance on how to resolve any issued identified.Providing support and recommendation on correct accounting for inventory, receivables and payables system transactionsEnsure adequate reserves were maintained for doubtful receivables & debit balances. Review the balances prior to each quarter closeIntercompany accounting – resolving any intercompany mismatch balances identified within intercompany balances prior to each month / quarter-close.Centre of Excellence review – Review SLAs annually and provide feedback on areas for improvementSouth Africa Business Owner responsibilities for Accounting Systems (EuroVAC, GAPS etc) Management and clearance of systems suspense transactions and reconciliation to ledger accountsManagement of processes for Manual Accountable Documents used within the companyManaging the travel systems and processesAssessing company stock for impairment based on latest sales auction values and profitability/losses

Financial Reporting:

Leading the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements (monthly, quarterly, annual) in accordance with Companys Act and IFRS. Overseeing the companys month-end and year-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals. Ensuring compliance with Ford FinanceManuals and public accounting standards and regulations (US GAAP, Companys Act, IFRS).Analyzing monthly, quarterly and annual financial data to identify trends, variances, and potential risks, unusual risks and potential errors within the numbers. Producing comprehensive financial reports for senior management and stakeholders. Coordinate with external auditors during the audit process and ensuring all required evidence is produced., providing necessary documentation and explanations.Assuming ownership over management of Ford ledger systems (SAP) and supporting with the launch of new iERP SAP modules in 2025 and 2026.Supporting other finance teams, business and legal team with Accounting guidance on complex accounting transactions requiring Companys Act and IFRS knowledge.Quarterly corporate reviews – substantiating reasons for balance sheet receivable and payables movements within quarter end deadlinesSupporting with corporate quarterly contingent liability reportingManaging debtors cashflow allocations and lending arrangement between Ford Credit and FMCSA and ensuring correctly accounted for.

Control environment:

Managing on time completion of SOX testing allocated to Accounting teamPeriodic review of own processes and raising Internal Control deficiencies where insufficient controls exist and ensuring successful closure, implementation and monitoringDriving on time OIC implementation and planning

Other:

Strong team management and employee coaching skillsGood communication and listening skillsSelf-starter and team playerAttention to detail Be able to work under pressure and to multitaskProviding solutions for adhoc activities that require Accounting expertise
 

PERFORMANCE MEASURES/ SUCCESS CRITERIA

Timely resolving stakeholder queries and appropriately delegating were requiredDriving receivables balances within agreed payment terms with customersDriving on time payment of supplier balancesOperations Metrics Review: Monthly reviews completed with Center of Excellence, with actionable solutions implemented for at least 80% of identified issues.Inventory, Receivables & Payables Transactions: 100% compliance with accounting policies; no material misstatements identified in audits.Adequate Reserves for Doubtful Debts: Quarterly review of reserves completed on time and adjustments processed timely.Intercompany Accounting: Intercompany mismatches resolved before each month/quarter close; issues older than 60 days minimized.Accounting Systems Ownership: System issues and suspense identified and resolved timeouslyReconciliation & Suspense Management: 100% of accounts reconciled and cleared within 30 days.Manual Accountable Documents: Compliance with company policy; zero major control deficiencies identified in audits.Travel System Accounting: 100% compliance with policy, and timely resolution of queries.Timeliness & Accuracy: 100% on-time completion of financials statements with no material errors.Month-End & Year-End Close: Completion of closing activities within the set timelines.Reporting Quality: Reports delivered with no major rework required; positive feedback from senior management and stakeholders.External Audit Coordination: Clean audit report with minimal audit adjustments; audit requests fulfilled within agreed timelines.  Ledger System Management (SAP/iERP): On-track implementation of iERP modules for 2025/2026; no major system issues impacting reporting.Accounting Guidance: Accurate advice provided to finance, business, and legal teams, with documented IFRS compliance.Quarterly Balance Sheet Review: Timely substantiation of receivables and payables movements, with variances explained.Corporate Contingent Liability Reporting: 100% on-time submission with no errors flagged by corporate teams.SOX Compliance: 100% of SOX tests completed on time with no material weaknesses identified.Internal Controls Review: 100% of identified deficiencies addressed with action plans and closed within deadlines.On-Time OIC Implementation: 100%+ of OICs implemented as per agreed timelines with no repeat issues.Team Performance: 100% of team members should receive performance objectives and feedback within corporate timelines.Employee Development: 100% of employees receiving documented coaching and career development discussions.Stakeholder Communication: Positive feedback from CFO, internal teams, and external auditors on responsiveness and clarity in communication.Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities with no major delays in deliverables.