Financial Accountant - Occupancy (French Speaking)

The role

• We are looking for an experienced French speaking Occupancy Financial Accountant to join our Finance team at our Support Centre in Johannesburg.
• This role is entirely office-based in our offices in Midrand, Johannesburg.
• You will manage leasing administration and property accounting for one of our regions, working closely with our Finance and Property teams globally. You will support our French-speaking markets, working with landlords and internal stakeholders in both French and English.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage leasing administration for Lovisa stores and support offices across your region
• Manage, approve and prepare rental payments and rent reviews
• Take ownership of month-end, including accruals, provisions, reconciliations and review of accounts to ensure accurate P&L and Balance Sheet reporting
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of leases under AASB 16
• Manage the bank guarantee, cash deposit and fitout contribution processes for new stores and renewals
• Maintain accurate lease and store data within LeaseEagle, including expiry and renewal dates, incentives, base rent and outgoings
• Review and interpret lease agreements and related documentation to ensure compliance
• Reference check and reconcile store occupancy expenses
• Record and track lease dealings and maintain accurate lease reports and systems
• Generate regular reports to support our Leasing Executives globally
• Work closely with Finance, Property and Accounts Payable on lease, landlord and payment queries
• Liaise across departments to support a smooth store opening process
• Support the wider Lease Administration and Property teams and act as a central point of contact for lease-related matters
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve processes and efficiencies

About you

• You are a strong accountant with a hands-on approach, excellent attention to detail and the confidence to work independently in a fast-paced international environment.

You will bring:

• Fluent French and English, both written and spoken, are essential
• A relevant Accounting/Finance Diploma and ideally a BCom/BAcc degree
• 3–5+ years’ accounting experience
• Strong hands-on experience with month-end reporting
• A solid understanding of P&L, Balance Sheet, accruals and reconciliations
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using accounting systems
• Strong English communication skills
• The ability to understand contracts and financial obligations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy
• An inquisitive mindset, asking the right questions and looking for solutions
• A sense of urgency and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support and mentor others

Highly advantageous:

• Experience working within a French-speaking market or international environment
• Completed articles
• Experience working with auditors
• Property, lease or landlord accounting exposure
• Experience with LeaseEagle or other property management software