Accountant

SUMMARY:
ACCOUNTANT

Cape Town (Kraaifontein):  My client, a well-established organisation, is seeking an experienced Accountant to oversee the effective functioning of the finance department. The role requires a detail-oriented and analytical professional with solid accounting experience, strong month-end and reporting capabilities, and the ability to maintain robust financial controls while supporting overall organisational performance.

POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the Role:
To oversee the effective functioning of the finance department through accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and adherence to statutory requirements. The Accountant ensures efficient month-end processes, cash flow oversight, compliance, and supports organisational performance through sound financial systems and practices.

Key Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To
Leadership & Team Management
- Coordinate and guide the finance team with clear goals and expectations
- Provide coaching, cross-skilling, and continuous development
- Monitor outputs, address performance issues, and conduct quarterly reviews
- Ensure effective communication, accurate reporting, and productive meetings
Month-End & Financial Reporting
- Manage the full month-end process and required checklists
- Review journals, provisions, control accounts, loan accounts, and GL accuracy
- Prepare monthly financial statements and management accounts by day seven
- Maintain complete, accurate, and auditable month-end files and backups
Banking & Cash Flow
- Oversee daily bank imports and ensure cash books are processed and reconciled weekly
- Review petty cash and credit card reconciliations
- Manage cash flow planning and liaise with banks on queries, fees, and documentation
Debtors Control
- Oversee debtor account approvals, reference checks, and credit checks
- Review weekly age analysis and follow up on outstanding queries
- Ensure interest calculations on overdue accounts are processed correctly
- Assess impact of outstanding debt on company cash flow and profitability
Creditors Control
- Review new supplier setups and ensure validity of banking and contact details
- Monitor creditors age analysis and ensure correct allocation to invoices
- Review and sign off reconciled supplier accounts and ensure timely payments
- Resolve escalated supplier queries and courier account discrepancies
Statutory Compliance (SARS & CIPC)
- Submit VAT201 and EMP201 accurately and on time
- Complete annual CIPC submissions and maintain required documentation
- Ensure full compliance with tax legislation and statutory requirements
Fixed Asset Register & Audits
- Maintain and reconcile the Fixed Asset Register monthly
- Oversee annual assets verification and audit readiness
- Coordinate yearly audits, address queries, and implement improvements post-audit
Payroll & HR Support
- Oversee payroll accuracy for wage and salary staff
- Review payroll-related administration (leave, ETI, equity, employee records)
- Process payroll journals (PAYE, UIF, SDL, ETI, deductions)
- Ensure timely completion of WSP and COIDA submissions
Reporting, Systems & Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate record-keeping and filing systems
- Monitor stock impacts on cash flow and financial performance
- Escalate urgent finance matters through the correct channels
Continuous Improvement & General Finance Duties
- Drive improvements to finance systems, processes, and SOPs
- Support organisational cost-saving initiatives
- Prepare budgets, reforecasts, and management reports
- Assist with stock takes and provide cross-functional finance support
- Ensure compliance with policies, laws, and organisational standards

Criteria
- BCom Accounting, Finance, or equivalent (essential)
- Completed SAIPA or SAICA articles advantageous
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a full accounting role
- Strong month-end, reporting, and reconciliation expertise
- Solid understanding of tax legislation (VAT, EMP201), payroll standards, and audit preparation
- Experience managing creditors, debtors, cash books, and fixed assets
- Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Office (Excel essential)
- Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving ability
- High accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage deadlines
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
- Strong leadership, communication, and team management capability
- Ability to work independently with sound judgement and accountability