ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Main purpose of the role:
The Construction Accountant is responsible for managing and overseeing the financial aspects of construction projects within the company's renewable energy portfolio. This role will ensure accurate financial tracking, reporting, and compliance during the construction phase of project.
Key responsibilities:
Scope:
The initial scope of the Construction Accountant is limited to Umoyilanga Project (Solar PV, Wind and BESS in Northern Cape and Eastern Cape) during its construction phase. The Construction Accountant will oversee all financial aspects for both the Project Company and the dedicated EPC Company set up by EDF Renewables to build the project. Scope can evolve over the duration of the contract.
Construction Accounting and Reporting:
- Manage all financial aspects of construction projects, including budgeting, cost tracking, and financial reporting for both Project Co and EPC Co
- Maintain accurate cost accounting records, including project budgets and internal budgets for both Project Co and EPC Co
- Prepare and present monthly financial reports related to ongoing construction projects, highlighting cost variances and financial performance for both Project Co and EPC Co
- Track project and internal contingencies for both Project Co and EPC Co
- Gather and communicate the relevant data towards the project's requirements in terms of ED reporting
Budget Management and Forecasting:
- Assist in the preparation of project budgets and work closely with contract manager and project managers and financial teams to ensure alignment with financial goals for both Project Co and EPC Co
- Track project costs against approved budgets and provide regular financial updates to construction management and finance teams for both Project Co and EPC Co
- Develop and maintain financial forecasts for construction projects, updating them as necessary based on actual project performance for both Project Co and EPC Co
Invoicing and Payment Processing:
- Onboarding of all project and internal suppliers on the COUPA P2P system.
- Setting up all the Purchase Requisitions on COUPA P2P for project and internal activities.
- Maintain construction payment tracker, receipt and match construction invoices to approved Purchase Orders to ensure all invoices from suppliers are processed and paid on time.
- Receipt and match invoices from suppliers related to internal activities to ensure all invoices are processed and paid on time.
- Reconcile construction site credit cards on COUPA Expenses ensuring all expenses are valid, accurate, complete and timely recorded.
- Ensure timely and accurate payment of invoices, while verifying that all project-related expenses are properly documented and approved.
- Reconcile construction-related accounts and ensure all payments are aligned with project agreements and contracts.
- Contribute to the monthly Project Co Utilization Request process
- Contribute to the monthly EPC Co Application for Payment process
Contract Administration Support:
- Support the finance team in reviewing and managing contracts for construction projects, ensuring that all financial terms and conditions are accurately reflected in accounting records.
- Assist in the preparation and review of payment applications, progress billings, and other financial documents related to construction contracts.
- Monitor compliance with contract terms, including retention payments, lien waivers, and change orders.
Coordination with Construction Teams:
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to ensure alignment between financial processes and project progress.
- Provide financial insights to support project decision-making and ensure that financial performance meets the company's strategic goals.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The positions reports directly into:
Umoyilanga Project Director/ COO
The positions reports functionally into:
EDF Renewables Head of Finance
QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Must-have Qualifications and Certifications:
BCom Accounting degree or equivalent and Professional Accountant (SA), SAICA Certified AGA(SA) or equivalent.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCES
Must-have years of professional experiences:
At least 3-5 years professional experience as Professional Accountant in South Africa.
COMPETENCIES
Technical competencies:
- Strong experience in construction accounting and financial administration in the infrastructure sector
- Working knowledge of statutory legislation, tax, and regulations specific to South Africa.
- Experience with ERP software, P2P systems and processes.
- Expertise with Excel
- Commercial and business awareness.
Behavioral competencies:
- Attention to detail
- Autonomy
- Strong work ethics
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
