Accountant (Property)

SUMMARY:
Accountant (Property)

POSITION INFO:
About the Role Our client, a leading organization in the property sector, is seeking a hands-on Accountant with a SAIPA articles background to join their Stellenbosch-based team. The successful candidate will take full ownership of the financial administration and reporting for a diverse property portfolio, managing the complete monthly cycle from transaction processing through to VAT, annual financial statements, and tax calculations. Key Responsibilities Processing and Reconciliations: Manage creditors, debtors, bank, and cash transactions; reconcile rental income, tenant recoveries, levies, and municipal accounts; and maintain loan and intercompany accounts. Asset Management: Maintain the fixed asset register, including investment property additions, improvements, and depreciation. VAT Compliance: Prepare and submit VAT201 returns, ensuring correct treatment of commercial vs. residential rentals and managing all SARS correspondence and audits. AFS Drafting: Draft annual financial statements and notes under IFRS for SMEs; prepare comprehensive working papers and lead schedules including fair-value adjustments and straight-lining of leases. Taxation: Prepare income tax computations, provisional tax estimates, and deferred tax calculations; handle property-specific matters such as capital gains tax and capital allowances. Management Reporting: Produce monthly management accounts, budget-vs-actual reports, and cash flow forecasts; provide analysis on vacancies and operating costs to support portfolio managers. Requirements Qualifications: B.Com Accounting or equivalent tertiary qualification is essential. Professional Background: Completion of SAIPA articles is a mandatory requirement. Technical Experience: Proven experience in day-to-day transaction processing, drafting annual financial statements from trial balance, and managing full VAT and tax cycles. Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of IFRS for SMEs and South African tax legislation. Systems: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, or Pastel). Industry Experience (Advantageous): Previous exposure to the property industry, including rental portfolios, property trusts, or body corporates. Skills: High attention to detail, ability to meet strict deadlines across multiple entities, and strong communication skills for engaging with auditors and stakeholders. What's on Offer A permanent, full-time position within a reputable property-focused environment. The opportunity to take full ownership of a financial portfolio within a professional team. Market-related remuneration based on experience and professional qualifications. Exposure to complex property-specific accounting and tax treatments.