Management Accountant (Retail) – Fixed Term Contract

Job Specification: Management Accountant (Contract)

Position: Management Accountant
Contract Duration: 1 October 2026 – 30 April 2027
Reports to: Financial Manager (FM)
Location: Office-based, Cape Town
Scope: Single brand within a large South African retail group — 32 stores

Role Purpose

The Management Accountant will take ownership of the financial management and reporting for one brand within the group’s store portfolio (32 stores). This is a hands-on, commercially-minded role requiring genuine retail store experience — the successful candidate must be fluent in store-level operations, terminology, and the financial dynamics unique to a multi-store retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

– Prepare and manage the brand’s P&L, providing accurate and timeous management accounts
– Analyse store-level performance across all 32 stores, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities
– Monitor and investigate stock losses, working closely with store and operations teams to understand root causes
– Manage and report on stock-related incentive schemes and their financial impact
– Partner with store operations to translate financial data into practical, actionable decisions
– Provide commercial input and recommendations that support store profitability and operational efficiency
– Support the FM with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for the brand
– Liaise confidently with store managers and operational stakeholders using correct retail/store terminology
– Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and reporting standards

Requirements

– Proven experience as a Management Accountant within a retail store environment (essential — non-negotiable)
– Strong working knowledge of retail store jargon, P&L structures, stock loss management, and stock-related incentive structures
– Demonstrated ability to analyse store operational data and make sound commercial decisions
– Strong analytical and commercial acumen
– Comfortable engaging directly with store operations teams
– Relevant accounting/finance qualification (e.g. B.Com, CIMA, or equivalent)
– Advanced Excel skills; experience with retail/store-level reporting systems advantageous
– Available for the full contract period (1 Oct 2026 – 30 Apr 2027), office-based in Cape Town