STATE ACCOUNTANT: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (GENERAL LEDGER)

REFERENCE NUMBER: 300126/06 (X3 Posts)
BRANCH: Finance
DIRECTORATE: Financial Accounting (WTE)
SALARY: R325 101 per annum (Level 07)
CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office

PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Department invites suitably qualified, motivated, and detail-oriented candidates to apply for the position of State Accountant: Financial Accounting (General Ledger). This is a critical role within the Finance branch of the Department, directly reporting to the Director of Financial Accounting.

The primary purpose of this position is to ensure the accurate management of the Department’s financial records through effective General Ledger accounting, reconciliation, and reporting processes. The successful candidates will play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of financial statements, compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and support of internal and external audit processes.

This position contributes to the overall financial management and governance framework of the Department and ensures that resources are utilized effectively, efficiently, and transparently in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Generally Recognized Accounting Practice (GRAP), and other relevant prescripts.

KEY OBJECTIVES

1. Ensure accurate financial accounting through reconciliation of general ledger accounts, subsidiary ledgers, and bank accounts.

2. Support the Department’s financial reporting processes, including monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting.

3. Assist in the preparation and submission of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and Interim Financial Statements (IFS) in compliance with PFMA and Treasury Regulations.

4. Facilitate the audit process and respond to internal and external audit queries, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies.

5. Maintain compliance with financial governance frameworks, including SAP system protocols, PERSAL system integration, and internal control measures.

6. Supervise and support junior staff in daily accounting operations and reconciliation activities, ensuring continuous development and adherence to best practices.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in a financial-related field, such as Accounting, Financial Management, or Cost and Management Accounting.

• At least one (1) year of relevant experience in General Ledger accounting within a financial or public sector environment.

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and departmental financial policies.

• Practical experience with financial reporting systems, including SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) and PERSAL (Personnel and Salary System).

• Strong interpersonal skills, including client orientation, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial personnel.

KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES, AND SKILLS

The ideal candidate must demonstrate the following competencies and capabilities:

• Problem Solving and Analytical Skills: Ability to identify financial discrepancies, analyse complex data, and recommend appropriate solutions.

• Client Orientation and Customer Focus: Ensuring the needs of internal and external stakeholders are met in a professional and timely manner.

• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities to convey financial information clearly to colleagues, management, and auditors.

• Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy in financial record-keeping, reconciliations, and reporting.

• Technical Competency: Ability to perform general ledger reconciliations, generate SAP reports, and understand trial balances, financial statements, and subsidiary accounts.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with colleagues and other departments to ensure seamless financial operations.

• Time Management: Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple accounting processes simultaneously.

• Knowledge of Audit Processes: Understanding of internal and external audit requirements, including preparing audit schedules, responding to queries, and implementing audit recommendations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The State Accountant: Financial Accounting (General Ledger) will be required to perform, but is not limited to, the following duties:

1. General Ledger Management:

   • Perform daily, monthly, and quarterly General Ledger activities to ensure accurate financial recording.

   • Review, reconcile, and balance general ledger accounts to maintain financial accuracy and integrity.

   • Reconcile items recorded on the general and subsidiary ledgers, ensuring all transactions are correctly captured.

   • Reconcile bank statements with ledger entries and verify that recorded balances are accurate.

   • Identify discrepancies in ledger reconciliations and implement corrective measures in consultation with the Director.

2. Financial Reporting and Compliance:

   • Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements in compliance with PFMA and Treasury Regulations.

   • Ensure that all financial reporting aligns with GRAP standards and departmental policies.

   • Draw and review SAP reports, including trial balances, account analysis, and detailed subsidiary reports.

   • Monitor and ensure the clearing of suspense and ledger accounts on a timely basis.

3. Audit Facilitation:

   • Assist in managing internal and external audit processes, including preparation of schedules and responses to audit queries.

   • Facilitate the development and implementation of audit action plans to address audit findings.

   • Liaise with auditors, ensuring timely resolution of issues and submission of required documentation.

4. Operational Support:

   • Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff and ensure continuous skills development.

   • Monitor compliance with departmental financial policies, procedures, and internal control measures.

   • Identify process improvement opportunities in financial management and reporting.

   • Ensure accurate recording of financial transactions and maintain proper documentation for verification purposes.

5. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Respond to inquiries from internal stakeholders, including management, finance colleagues, and other departmental units.

   • Ensure effective communication of financial information to enable informed decision-making.

   • Collaborate with other departments to facilitate smooth financial operations and support programme objectives.

6. Systems and Tools Management:

   • Maintain proficiency in SAP and PERSAL systems, ensuring accurate entry of transactions and reconciliations.

   • Generate, analyse, and interpret financial reports from SAP to support accounting functions.

   • Ensure proper maintenance of electronic and manual financial records, databases, and registers.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

The successful candidate will be evaluated based on the following performance criteria:

• Accuracy and completeness of general ledger reconciliations.

• Timeliness and quality of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.

• Responsiveness and effectiveness in addressing audit queries.

• Compliance with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and departmental policies.

• Quality and effectiveness of stakeholder communication and support.

• Contribution to process improvements and operational efficiency within the Financial Accounting Directorate.

ENQUIRIES

For further information, please contact:
Mr Thabiso Toka
Tel: (012) 336 8378

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are requested to submit their applications, accompanied by a comprehensive CV, proof of qualifications, and any other supporting documentation.

Applications should include a Z83 form (effective from 01 January 2021), obtainable from any Public Service Department or online at www.dpsa.gov.za.

Applicants may apply using the following methods:

• Online via the departmental e-recruitment portal.

• By hand delivery or courier to the Pretoria Head Office, Finance Branch.

• By post to the relevant departmental address as specified in the advertisement.

CLOSING DATE

30 January 2026

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents.

• Candidates must ensure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• The Department reserves the right not to fill any advertised post.

• Applicants must comply with all requirements; incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications may be disqualified.