Role Description
Take ownership of financial management, project financial control, cash flow and reporting, supporting Directors and project managers with clear financial information and commercial insight.
Remote, Cape Town based | Remote | 9amβ5pm UK time | R60,000 per month
Duties & Responsibilities
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Financial Management and Reporting
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Prepare monthly management accounts, including the profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
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Manage month-end processes, including accruals, prepayments, reconciliations and revenue recognition.
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Analyse performance against budgets and forecasts, explaining variances and recommending action.
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Prepare annual budgets and maintain rolling financial and cash flow forecasts.
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Maintain accurate financial records in Xero and improve financial processes and controls.
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Coordinate with external accountants on statutory accounts, tax submissions and other reporting requirements.
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Project Financial Control
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Review project budgets, fees, costs, margins and forecast profitability with project managers.
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Monitor actual costs against budgets, including staff time, subcontractors and other project expenditure.
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Review work in progress, accrued income and outstanding invoicing.
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Challenge estimates of remaining project costs and identify potential overruns early.
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Track scope changes and additional fees, ensuring they are reflected in project forecasts and invoicing.
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Provide regular reporting on project margins, utilisation, recovery rates and financial risks.
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Cash Flow and Financial Operations
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Oversee invoicing, credit control, supplier payments and bank reconciliations.
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Monitor debtor balances and work with project managers and Directors to resolve overdue payments.
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Forecast cash requirements and recommend actions to maintain appropriate working capital.
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Coordinate payroll, pension contributions and expenses with relevant providers.
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Maintain appropriate payment approvals and financial controls.
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Business Support
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Support Directors with financial planning, recruitment decisions, fee proposals and business growth.
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Develop useful financial dashboards and KPIs.
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Improve the flow of information between timesheets, project management systems and Xero.
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Help project managers understand their financial responsibilities and improve commercial awareness.
Qualifications
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At least five yearsβ relevant finance experience, including management accounting and financial control.
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Fully qualified accountant: CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent.
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Practical experience using Xero.
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Strong experience preparing and analysing P&L accounts, balance sheets and cash flow forecasts.
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Experience controlling project finances, including budgets, work in progress, cost forecasting and profitability.
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Strong Excel skills and the ability to turn financial data into clear, useful reporting.
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Ability to work independently, meet reporting deadlines and challenge financial assumptions constructively.
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Clear communication skills and confidence working with Directors and technical project teams.
Requirements
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Desirable: Experience within an engineering consultancy, professional services firm or another project-based business.
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Desirable: Experience in a growing SME.
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Desirable: Familiarity with time-based billing, fixed-fee projects and resource planning.
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Desirable: Experience with BQE or similar project accounting and management software.
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Desirable: Experience improving financial systems, reporting and internal controls.
Benefits