Financial Assistant

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

Required Skills & Competencies:

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

Task / Competency

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