Financial Assistant

Description:

Our client is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented

Financial Assistant

to support the Financial Manager in managing day-to-day financial operations in a fast-paced fruit export environment. The ideal candidate should be efficient, organised, and able to work under pressure with a good understanding of basic accounting principles, especially in a multi-currency and export context.

Key Responsibilities:
:

• Assist with capturing and processing supplier and customer invoices
• Support preparation of payment schedules and remittance advice
• Reconcile supplier statements and follow up on outstanding documentation
• Assist with capturing and reconciling packaging materials costs linked to specific export programs
• Help track outstanding customer balances and follow up on overdue payments
• Capture and allocate bank transactions across multiple accounts and currencies
• Maintain organised filing of financial documents, contracts, and export-related paperwork
• Support month-end close by preparing reconciliations and schedules
• Help compile financial reports, management pack schedules, and ad hoc spreadsheets
• Maintain the fixed asset register and perform periodic checks
• Assist with internal control checks, audits, and stock count reconciliations
• Liaise with marketers, packhouses, and suppliers for financial documentation

Requirements:

Required Skills & Competencies:

A suitable candidate must be proficient or competent in the following areas to support the role effectively:

•

Basic Accounting Knowledge

Understanding of double-entry accounting and cost allocations
•

Accounts Payable

Capturing supplier invoices, matching to POs, and reconciling to statements
•

Accounts Receivable

Capturing customer payments and assisting with statement follow-ups
•

Export Documentation Handling

Familiarity with linking invoices to export documents (e.g., BOL, SAD500)
•

Bank Reconciliations

Capturing bank transactions and reconciling multiple accounts and currencies
•

Excel Proficiency

Working knowledge of Excel for capturing data and basic analysis (VLOOKUP, SUMIF, Pivot Tables)
•

System Use

Basic proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, Business Central)
•

Filing & Record-keeping

Keeping financial records organised and audit-ready
•

Accuracy & Attention to Detail

High level of accuracy in capturing and checking financial data
•

Communication Skills

Ability to interact with suppliers, internal teams, and stakeholders professionally
•

Confidentiality

Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive financial information
•

Time Management

Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines, especially during month-end cycles


Qualifications & Experience:

• Diploma or Certificate in Finance, Accounting, or Bookkeeping
• 1–3 years experience in a finance support role (experience in agriculture/export is a plus)
• Experience working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Exposure to multi-currency environments and VAT compliance advantageous