Job Description
As the Financial Accountant, you will be responsible for ensuring that the transactions for the South Africa and Sub-Sahara entities have been properly accounted for and accurately reflected in accounting records. You will work closely with Local Finance and Shared Service Teams to ensure that the accounting records: (i) accurately reflect the results of the associated business, (ii) are in line with US GAAP and (iii) comply with respective local statutory and tax requirements. You will also be responsible for ensuring a robust control environment is maintained following all audit requirements.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform month end activities ensuring robust and accurate financial reporting and commentary in accordance with US GAAP accounting standards and company policy.
- Provide general ledger support and analysis inclusive of period end financial close responsibilities.
- Provide support across General Ledger and other AtR sub-process activities.
- Maintain an accurate and current accounting ledger which reflects the entities transactional reality through timely posting of all required items (Journals, cross charges, allocations etc).
- Ensure that all transactions are correctly reflected in the ledger on an entity basis.
- Ensure completion and accuracy of monthly accruals including review of open purchase orders.
- Ensure accurate and timely period reporting that complies with Corporate and country requirements.
- Responsible for monthly Account and Balance Sheet Reconciliation processes on a timely basis and adhering to all corporate standards and guidelines.
- Actively identify opportunities for streamlining and rendering service delivery more efficiently and participating in special projects.
- Perform monthly payments where necessary (Foreign, Local and Inter-Company).
- Perform necessary cross-charges and cost allocations where required.
- Perform all necessary statutory entries including preparation of Annual Financial Statements.
- Support the Internal Stakeholders and external auditors during the annual statutory audit, including documentation and analysis.
- Work with FPA on any misalignment of actual transactions versus budget and remediate accordingly.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with business partners (BSC) and cross-functional teams at all levels of the organisation
- Perform ad hoc administrative tasks and support business on payment issues where required.
- Execute work in line with audit controls, accounting principles and compliance with accounting standards.
- Participate in Global Projects and Initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s or degree in Finance or Accounting or equivalent.
- Honours Degree in Accounting Finance.
- CA (SA), ACCA, CIMA Preferred
- Relevant working experience (5 years) in an accounting/ finance department.
- Multinational Pharmaceuticals experience shall be preferred but not essential.
- Excellent understanding and experience within a matrix organization.
- Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organization skills required.
- Demonstrated commitment to education and professional development.
- Advance problem solving and analytical skills with a proactive management style to implement new.
- Good problem solving and analytical skills with a proactive management style to implement new processes.
- Intermediate to Advanced PC skills (MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint) required
Required Skills:
Accounting, Corporate Experience, Data Management, Detail-Oriented, Financial Accounting Controls, Financial Analysis, Interpersonal Relationships, Preparation of Financial Reports
Preferred Skills:
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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
07/21/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the dayBEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the dayBEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID: R407321
