Branch Accountant – Automotive

Branch Accountant Automotive Parts | George

Job Specification

Minimum Requirements

- Automotive / motor industry experience (distribution or parts environment)

- Financial accounting and branch accounting knowledge

- Knowledge of stock / inventory accounting processes

- Knowledge of financial controls and compliance

- Understanding of branch operational processes

- Knowledge of SA financial legislation and tax principles (VAT, PAYE etc.)

- Understanding of internal controls and audit requirements

- Strong systems and financial data analysis knowledge

- Knowledge of company policies and procedures

- Expressed and implied ethical responsibilities

- General business and financial management experience

Skills and Qualifications

- BCom Accounting / Financial Accounting / similar qualification

- 35 years accounting experience in a branch / operational environment

- Motor industry experience advantageous

- Financial reporting and reconciliation skills

- Strong attention to detail and accuracy

- Analytical and problem-solving ability

- Planning and organising skills

- Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure

- Strong business and operational understanding

- Communication skills (verbal and written)

- Relationship-building ability across departments

- Assertiveness and sound judgement

- High integrity and professionalism

- Self-motivated and results-driven

- Team player with ability to work independently

---------------------------------------
- Job Specification

1. Branch Financial Management

- Manage full branch accounting function

- Ensure accurate financial records and reporting for the branch

- Prepare monthly management accounts and variance analysis

- Monitor branch revenue, margins, costs and profitability

- Support branch management with financial insights and controls

- Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures

- Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes

- Monitor and control operational expenditure (OPEX)

- Identify financial risks and implement corrective actions

2. Stock & Inventory Accounting

- Manage and reconcile branch inventory accounts

- Monitor stock movements, adjustments and variances

- Investigate and resolve stock discrepancies

- Ensure accurate valuation of inventory

- Support stock counts and audits

- Ensure stock losses and damages are correctly recorded

- Align inventory records between warehouse and finance systems

3. Financial Controls & Compliance

- Implement and maintain internal financial controls

- Ensure compliance with financial legislation and company standards

- Prepare audit schedules and support internal/external audits

- Monitor adherence to approval and delegation limits

- Ensure accurate VAT and tax-related transactions

- Maintain financial documentation and records

4. Debtors, Creditors & Cash Management

- Oversee debtors and creditors processes at branch level

- Monitor collections, aging and credit risk

- Ensure supplier accounts are reconciled and paid correctly

- Manage cashbook, bank reconciliations and cash controls

- Monitor credit notes, returns and adjustments

- Ensure accurate invoicing and revenue recognition

5. Systems & Reporting

- Ensure accurate financial data within ERP / accounting systems

- Maintain alignment between financial and operational systems

- Produce financial and operational reports for management

- Analyse branch data to identify trends and improvement areas

- Support system improvements and financial process optimisation

6. Stakeholder & Branch Support

- Work closely with Branch Manager and operational teams

- Provide financial guidance to non-finance managers

- Support decision-making with financial analysis

- Liaise with Head Office Finance