Principal Accountant Jobs

Job Title: Principal Accountant

About South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realize the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminum, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world.

Following the acquisition of Arizona Mining, South32 is the new owner of the Hermosa Project, a high-grade zinc, lead and silver development option in Arizona.

South32's purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We work closely with their host communities to create enduring social and economic value through local employment, infrastructure and facilities development and community investment programs.

The location of this role is the Tucson, Arizona or Vancouver, BC office.

The Role

The Principal Accountant will support the period end close process, including preparation of financial and statutory accounting in a timely manner and in accordance with Group Accounting Policies and International Financial Reporting Standards. Provide critical/material accounting advice for the Hermosa project and maintain the integrity of the general ledger. Perform various review and approval activities over accounting practices and outputs. Ensure that a fit for purpose internal control environment operates and is effective for financial accounting and reporting requirements.

Accountabilities

• Proactively analyze, document and form an opinion on the treatment of critical/material financial accounting issues;
• Prepare annual financial statements (as applicable);
• Other tasks as directed by management.
• Coordinate and complete the half-year and year-end reporting information (external briefing papers) to enable reporting the Group finance team;
• Identify and implement process improvement and simplification initiatives across the Finance team;
• An overriding commitment to health, safety, environment responsibility and sustainable development;
• Coordinate and complete the month end close process for Hermosa;
• Interact and provide data to Internal and External Auditors as necessary, including supporting resolution of queries;
• Prepare/Review reconciliation of relevant general ledger balances to ensure transactions are recorded accurately;
• Ongoing analysis and review of general ledger balance to ensure transactions and balances are recorded accurately;
• Ensure that a fit for purpose internal control environment operates, is compliant with Group requirements, and is effective. Complete verification processes over internal controls as scheduled and/or requested;
• Proactively engage with the project controls team and EPCM during construction to appropriately set up the fixed asset register for first production;
• Co-ordinate and review other external / government reporting requirements;
• Identify and prepare Accounting Matters for Consideration to be reported to the Group Finance team;
• Interact and provide data to Group Tax and External Tax Advisors as necessary, including supporting resolution of queries;

Qualifications and Experience

• Process / continuous improvement and initiative/project management;
• Sound time management – able to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner;
• CA / CPA or equivalent accounting qualification;
• Problem solving – uses logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions;
• Experience with SAP is highly regarded.
• Ability to communication and engage effectively and constructively with executive management level personnel
• Interacts positively with others and engages in a broad range of positive interpersonal interactions;
• Seven (7) or more years overall financial accounting experience; preferably in a mining / resource environment;
• Understanding of financial accounting concepts & processes;
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards;
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Commerce;
• Capability in research and authoring of technical accounting papers
• Understanding of US and State of Arizona taxes;

Our Culture

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We're focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organization, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.