Legal Bookkeeper

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking an experienced and highly organized Legal Bookkeeper to oversee and manage the daily financial, HR, and administrative operations of their professional practice to be based in Cape Town.

POSITION INFO:
Position: Legal Bookkeeper

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Direct Report: Director

Job Type: Permanent | Full-time | Office-based (5 days per week)

Role Summary

The ideal candidate must be detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of handling a broad range of responsibilities efficiently and independently. The practice has grown rapidly and requires the services of an “out of the box” developmental office bookkeeper/ practice manager to take the practice forward to utilize its existing systems and to initiate new systems so as to provide the Director with accurate and timeous management reporting information The work involves 5 days a week at the office premises and direct reporting to the Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5 - 10 years’ experience in Bookkeeping, accounting, or practice management within a professional services environment.
• Proficiency in PM Pro / Legalinteract and other accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, Winlaw).
• Strong knowledge of SARS regulations, PAYE, VAT, and South African labour law.
• Proven HR and compliance management experience.
• Advanced MS Excel skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.
• High integrity and ability to handle confidential information.
• Knowledge of FICA compliance essential.
• Knowledge of Trust Accounts

• Maintain accurate financial records and systems.
• Process accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accurate invoicing and timeous payments.
• Implement and oversee controls for financial integrity.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow.
• Oversee billable time recording and reporting systems.
• Ensure timely SARS reporting and submissions (PAYE, VAT, etc.).
• Full bookkeeping to trial balance, including cashbook management and reconciliations.
• Prepare client statements, invoices, and debtors/creditors reconciliations.
• Manage payroll, attendance tracking, and commission calculations.
• Liaise with auditors for trust audits and prepare documents for annual tax submissions.

• Process staff travel claims and reimbursements.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR compliance.
• Track leave, sick days, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with FICA regulations and maintain Risk Management Procedures.

• Oversee general office administration.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual operational and financial reports.
• Control and report on practice expenses.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including accountants, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage fixed asset registers, insurance, and LPC compliance requirements.