IT Data Architect

To assist with preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS and monitor operational expenditure against approved budgets, a professional services firm in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an IT Data Architect.

The business promotes from within wherever possible, opening doors over time. The company fosters a positive culture where effort and initiative are recognised. The culture rewards accountability, honesty, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Send your CV through today and take the first step towards this opportunity.

Responsibilities

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop, document, and implement internal financial controls and standard operating procedures across the finance function to strengthen the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting and safeguard organisational assets.
• Conduct regular reviews of accounts payable and receivable processes to identify control weaknesses, reduce processing errors, and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency while reducing fraud risk and financial losses.
• Participate in system upgrade and implementation projects by testing financial modules, validating data migration accuracy, and providing user acceptance feedback to the project team to ensure a smooth transition to new systems.

Financial Reporting & Management Accounts

• Prepare monthly management accounts including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements with detailed variance analysis against budget and prior periods for senior management review and strategic decision-making.
• Perform full balance sheet reconciliations covering bank accounts, debtors, creditors, prepayments, accruals, and intercompany loan accounts on a monthly basis to ensure completeness and accuracy of the general ledger.
• Analyse operational expenditure against approved departmental budgets, investigate significant deviations with cost centre managers, and present findings with corrective recommendations to the finance manager for review.
• Manage the fixed asset register by recording acquisitions, disposals, and transfer journals, and calculating monthly depreciation in accordance with IFRS and the company's approved accounting policies and capitalisation thresholds.

Statutory Compliance & Tax

• Coordinate year-end audits by preparing comprehensive audit files, compiling working papers, responding to auditor queries promptly and accurately, and facilitating timely sign-off of annual financial statements with an unqualified audit opinion.
• Handle the preparation and submission of PAYE, UIF, and SDL returns to SARS on a monthly basis, ensuring employee tax deductions and employer contributions are correctly calculated, reconciled, and remitted within statutory deadlines.
• Assist with the preparation of provisional tax computations biannually and the annual income tax return, liaising with external tax practitioners to ensure full compliance with the Income Tax Act and minimising risk of penalties.

Requirements

• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail with ability to identify and correct discrepancies in large volumes of financial data.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills to prioritise tasks effectively during peak reporting periods such as month-end.
• A bachelor's degree or diploma in accounting, financial management, or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with the ability to investigate and resolve complex reconciling items independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise effectively with clients, suppliers, auditors, and colleagues at all levels.

Qualifications