Finance & Operations Associate
Our client is looking for a proactive and analytically minded Finance & Operations Associate to join its Cape Town team. Working closely with the COO, you'll play an important role in supporting the day-to-day financial and operational functions of the business across its UK and South African operations. This is a varied, hands-on position that combines finance administration, business operations, analytical problem-solving and process improvement. You'll take ownership of recurring financial and administrative processes while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, AI tools and automation. The role offers excellent exposure to how an international, growing business operates, with the opportunity to take on increasingly complex projects and develop into a broader Business Operations role as the company scales. You'll be someone who enjoys working with numbers, solving problems and making things work better. You're naturally organised, curious and proactive, with the confidence to take ownership of tasks while also spotting opportunities to improve the bigger picture. You're comfortable moving between detailed administrative work and more analytical projects, and you're excited by the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership in a growing international business.
About this position
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Finance & Accounting Operations
- Manage day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense tracking and reconciliations.
- Assist with financial reporting, budget monitoring and cash flow forecasting.
- Ensure financial information, records and documentation are accurate and up to date.
- Liaise with external accountants and financial advisers across the UK and South Africa.
2. People & HR Operations
- Coordinate employee onboarding, offboarding and general HR administration.
- Maintain accurate employee records and documentation.
- Support recruitment administration and help streamline internal people processes.
3. Legal, Compliance & Administration
- Maintain contracts, corporate records and compliance documentation.
- Keep track of important administrative deadlines and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate routine legal and compliance administration, liaising with external advisers where necessary.
4. Business Operations & Process Improvement
- Analyse operational and financial data to identify inefficiencies and support business decision-making.
- Take ownership of recurring business processes, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows through AI tools, automation and technology.
- Assist with cross-functional projects aimed at improving business efficiency and scalability.
- Develop and maintain processes, systems and internal documentation.
5. IT & Systems Administration
- Coordinate employee access, software licences, subscriptions and general IT administration.
- Assist with evaluating and implementing tools that improve team productivity and collaboration.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering or a related field.
- Approximately 1–3 years of professional experience in finance, business operations, management consulting, business analysis or a similarly analytical role.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with confidence working in spreadsheets.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities.
- An interest in technology, AI tools and finding smarter ways of working.
- High levels of integrity and discretion when handling confidential business and financial information.
Nice To Have:
- Previous experience in a startup, scale-up or fast-paced business environment.
- Exposure to bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable or financial reporting.
- Hands-on experience with AI tools, workflow automation platforms or no-code solutions.
- Familiarity with accounting software, HR systems or business management platforms.
- Experience working with international teams or businesses operating across multiple countries.
- Exposure to process improvement, operational reporting or data analysis.