Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant -- Mission Your mission is to be the operational engine of Root's finance team, running the day-to-day accounting cycle across all four Root entities for accuracy and scale. You own the data integrity that underpins management accounts, intercompany positions, statutory reporting and audit-ready records — accurately recording and reconciling financial transactions and producing timely, reliable reporting inputs. This enables the business to close the books fast and report on Root's current and future financial position with confidence. Performance Indicators Month-end group bookkeeping complete within 1 week following month end, with reconciling items cleared Bank accounts are reconciled daily, with daily cash reporting with zero unreconciled differences Balance Sheet Reconciliations are prepared and reconciling differences cleared within 1 week of month end All invoices are shipped within 3 business days of the end of the month Outcomes Root's day-to-day financial records are accurate, complete and always audit-ready Day to day financial transactions are accurately recorded and reconciled in Xero Balance sheet reconciliations are prepared and variances investigated and resolved Expenses are frugally managed and accurately tracked Root's financial operations run smoothly, supporting a world-class client and supplier experience Client invoicing, supplier payments, and debtor and creditor management are diligently performed Daily cash management reporting is maintained The Finance Manager is equipped with accurate, timely inputs for reporting, planning and compliance Management accounts and other relevant reports are prepared timeously and with extreme accuracy Financial models, forecasts and budgeting inputs are prepared accurately in support of the Finance Manager Supports the Finance Manager with cash flow forecasting, VAT, payroll, tax and transfer pricing Consistent documentation and administration underpin operational continuity Maintains company records and document filing related to Company Secretarial work Documents processes for continuity, including building and maintaining AI skills Supports employee onboarding and offboarding processes and assists with general people administration tasks Role-Based Competencies Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy of output. Meticulous with numbers. Extremely well organised. Curious & analytical thinker. Excellent communication. Excellent & driven problem-solver. Experience maintaining and updating financial models under the guidance of senior finance. Experience with communicating with stakeholders. Comfortable executing in a high-pressure environment. Understanding of the SaaS business model is preferable. Understanding of the importance of key SaaS metrics, how to derive & track them preferable. Motivated to learn. Qualification and experience CIMA or CA(SA) accounting qualification. Minimum of 3 years experience as a financial accountant. Technology startup background preferable. AI use & legibility At Root, we use AI to amplify human capability. You are expected to make effective use of AI to reduce low-value effort and create more time for the work that benefits most from human judgment, creativity, expertise, and relationships. AI is not a substitute for critical thinking, ownership, or accountability. You are expected to apply sound judgment, verify outputs, and remain responsible for the quality of your work and decisions. As Root builds an increasingly AI-legible organisation, everyone is expected to contribute through effective documentation, knowledge-sharing, and context management that make information easier for both people and AI to discover, understand, and use. Root Values Lead by example: “Lean in, take charge, and always set a positive precedent.” Exceed expectations: “Know your customer to delight your customer.” Rally as one team: “Put aside egos and personal agendas to triumph as one.” Own the mission: “Your job is not done until the job is done.” Rise to the challenge: “Meaningful change requires meaningful effort and the courage to make bold moves.” -- Department Finance Team Locations Cape Town, South Africa Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time