Finance Shared Services Clerk Contract at The Foschini Group

The Foschini Group (TFG) is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Finance Shared Services Clerk to join its high-volume merchandise accounting team on a fixed-term contract basis. As one of South Africa's premier retail portfolios encompassing 34 lifestyle and apparel brands, TFG provides a dynamic, fast-paced commercial environment where financial governance and precision drive operational success across regional networks.

This role focuses on validating automated stock purchase transactions, performing comprehensive supplier reconciliations, and investigating variances within merchandise accounts payable. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external merchandise vendors to resolve payment queries, maintain transaction integrity, and uphold robust financial controls and audit standards.

Key Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Validate automated stock purchase transactions to confirm the accuracy, legitimacy, and completeness of vendor ledger balances.
• Prepare regular supplier reconciliations and systematically clear reconciling items according to defined accounting cycles.
• Scrutinize incoming supplier invoices against purchase orders in SAP ERP, identifying, reporting, and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Follow up on unacknowledged or un-receipted stock items across relevant warehouse and supply chain databases.
• Process authorized general ledger journals, cost variance entries, and approved write-offs in line with internal accounting standards.
• Maintain well-documented audit trails and supply supporting financial evidence for internal and external compliance audits.
• Liaise professionally with external vendors and procurement teams to settle queries and escalate unresolved matters efficiently.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

• Strong numerical acumen paired with methodical analytical thinking to trace ledger variances to root causes.
• Disciplined organizational capability to balance daily reconciliation tasks within a high-volume retail merchandise setting.
• Professional communication skills capable of handling vendor escalations diplomatically and building positive stakeholder relationships.
• Proactive mindset focused on continuous process improvement, operational accountability, and strict compliance.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

Working within TFG Finance Shared Services provides exceptional exposure to enterprise-level financial architecture, automated ERP merchandise workflows, and rigorous retail accounting practices. Under the guidance of experienced finance managers, contractors gain in-depth corporate accounting experience that strengthens commercial acumen and paves the way toward senior accounts payable, financial accounting, or commercial analyst roles across the broader retail industry.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially specified a salary for this position. Based on South African market data and industry benchmarks for an entry-level to junior accounts payable and finance clerk role, the estimated remuneration is approximately R14,000 – R19,500 per month. Please note that this is an industry estimate and actual remuneration will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal pay structures.

How to Apply & Submission Guidelines

Eligible candidates who satisfy all stated accounting criteria are encouraged to submit their formal application online through the official TFG careers portal. Ensure that an updated curriculum vitae, certified copies of your accounting qualifications, and academic records are uploaded before the recruitment process concludes.

• Higher Certificate or Diploma in Accounting or Financial Accounting (Mandatory).
• Minimum of 2 years experience in Merchandise Accounts Payable (Mandatory).
• Practical working experience with SAP ERP or an equivalent enterprise accounting system.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated capability in vendor reconciliations and discrepancy resolution.
• South African citizen from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act preferred.