Trade Accountant
Dixie Recruitment · Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stop applying one at a time.
JobAlertsZA auto-applies to South African jobs like this one for you, overnight. Upload your CV once — we do the applying.
Start free — we apply for you →Job Description
- A dynamic opportunity awaits professionals seeking to elevate their careers within a leading agricultural product wholesaler, renowned for its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. Our client is looking for a capable Trade Accountant:
Trade Accountant
Role Purpose
- The Trade Accountant is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation and reporting of commodity trading transactions. The role supports front, middle and back-office functions by ensuring timely trade monitoring, inventory valuation, profit and loss reporting, and compliance with internal controls and applicable accounting standards.
Key Responsibilities
Trade Accounting & Profit and Loss
- Record and reconcile physical and derivative commodity trades within the trading or ERP system.
- Prepare monthly profit and loss reports for each trading strategy.
- Reconcile trader profit and loss to accounting records and investigate variances.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of trade-related accounting transactions.
Settlements & Operations Accounting
- Maintain accurate trade and operational records.
- Reconcile purchase and sales contracts.
- Reconcile freight, insurance, demurrage and other trade-related costs.
- Liaise with operations, logistics teams and counterparties to resolve discrepancies.
- Monitor open contracts and ensure the timely recognition of revenue and costs.
Inventory & Cost Accounting
- Ensure accurate accounting of inventory and related accruals.
- Perform reconciliations for warehouse, silo and in-transit inventory.
- Assist with inventory valuation and cost reporting.
Financial Reporting
- Support month-end and year-end financial close processes.
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations relating to trading activities.
- Assist with internal and external audit requirements.
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and company policies.
Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with traders, operations, logistics, suppliers and external stakeholders.
- Provide financial support to operational and strategic initiatives.
- Resolve financial queries relating to trading activities.
Risk, Compliance & Process Improvement
- Ensure compliance with internal controls and segregation of duties.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems and automate processes.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.
Minimum Requirements
- Degree in Finance or Accounting
Experience
- 2–5 years' experience in trade accounting.
- Experience within a commodity trading, energy or shipping environment is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Microsoft Office 365.
- Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
- Experience working with ERP systems such as PeopleSoft or similar.
- Exposure to Power BI and process automation would be advantageous.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of the physical commodity trading lifecycle.
- Experience preparing and analysing profit and loss reports.
- Strong balance sheet reconciliation skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
Advantageous Experience
- Knowledge of derivative products and hedging instruments.
- Experience working within a multi-currency, multi-entity environment.