Senior Technical Accountant (CPG / U.S. GAAP)

Work Location: South Africa (Remote)
Schedule: Full-Time (~40 hours/week, aligning with U.S. Eastern Time business hours)
Employment Type: Independent Contract (Eligible for permanent conversion based on performance)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Senior Technical Accountant to join our team as a subject matter expert and mentor. In this role, you will elevate our overall accounting function by ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, guiding technical accounting treatment, and strengthening internal controls.

This is an ideal role for an ambitious professional who thrives in a high-growth environment, enjoys diving deep into inventory and cost accounting, and takes pride in building scalable processes while developing other accounting team members.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Accounting & Financial Oversight

Serve as the resident expert on U.S. GAAP, offering clear guidance on accounting treatment, complex transactions, and best practices.
Own and lead the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to tight deadlines.
Prepare and review complex journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and monthly financial statements.
Manage U.S. sales tax compliance and reporting requirements.

Inventory & Cost Accounting

Manage cost accounting, inventory valuations, variance analysis, and cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) reconciliations specific to our CPG/manufacturing operations.
Partner with cross-functional teams (Operations, Supply Chain) to maintain accurate inventory records and controls.

Leadership, Coaching & Process Improvement

Review the work of junior/mid-level accountants, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and mentorship.
Identify operational bottlenecks, implement robust internal controls, and build scalable, repeatable accounting processes.
Support multi-entity accounting and system enhancements within our ERP framework.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with direct experience supporting a U.S.-based company.
Industry Focus: Background in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), Manufacturing, or Cost Accounting is required.
Technical Expertise: Advanced understanding of U.S. GAAP, inventory accounting, and U.S. sales tax.
Month-End Leadership: Proven track record of owning/leading month-end closes and performing high-level balance sheet reconciliations.
Review & Mentorship: Strong experience reviewing financial statements and coaching accounting personnel.
Systems & Excel: Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (vlookups, index/match, pivot tables, complex modeling) and hands-on experience with modern ERP/accounting systems.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal English skills, with the ability to communicate technical accounting concepts clearly to non-finance partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Certifications: CPA, CA (Chartered Accountant / SAICA), CIMA, or CGMA designation preferred.
Environment: Experience operating within a fast-paced, high-growth, or multi-entity business.
Tech Stack: Familiarity with mid-market/enterprise cloud ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, SAP, or similar).

Why Join Us?

High-Impact Role: Be a key driver in shaping our financial infrastructure and mentoring team members.
Long-Term Growth: Potential for a permanent role following a successful 3-month contract period.
Global Exposure: Gain valuable, high-level experience with a dynamic U.S. market leader.

Senior Accountant