Senior Accountant

Role Purpose An established accounting practice is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join its Client Accounting team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing full accounting functions for a diverse client portfolio, preparing annual financial statements, handling taxation and statutory compliance, and supervising junior and intermediate accountants. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability and direct client engagement.

Key Responsibilities Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Process and review accounting records on computerised accounting systems
• Prepare complete sets of annual financial statements and working paper files for CCs, trusts, sole proprietors, partnerships, body corporates, farmers and small business corporations
• Analyse trial balances, identify discrepancies and discuss results with clients
• Prepare monthly management accounts and perform analytical reviews (GP%, inventory days, debtor/creditor days)
• Maintain fixed asset registers and process depreciation, provisions, accruals and journals
• Correct accounting treatment for asset disposals and capital gains/losses
• Distinguish between finance and operating leases
• Process foreign exchange transactions
• Record books from insufficient records

Taxation & Statutory Compliance

• Calculate tax liabilities for individuals and businesses
• Complete and submit statutory returns including PAYE, UIF, SDL and VAT
• Reconcile VAT input/output to trial balances and financial statements
• Prepare and submit income tax returns
• Perform tax planning, including fringe benefits, allowances, lump-sum retirement taxation and non-resident tax
• Liaise with clients regarding statutory payments and compliance

Audit & Assurance

• Perform vouching tests during audits and independent reviews
• Identify risks, materiality and internal control weaknesses
• Prepare and review management representation letters
• Qualify Accounting Officer reports where required

Client & Team Management

• Liaise directly with clients and provide professional advisory support
• Supervise, mentor and train junior and intermediate accountants
• Review monthly files and working papers prepared by junior team members
• Assist with complex client matters beyond routine accounting tasks

Systems & Compliance

• Set up accounting systems for clients and train client staff (Pastel)
• Ensure compliance with the firm’s System of Quality Management (SOQM)
• Adhere to internal HR policies and professional codes of conduct (SAICA, IRBA, IESBA)

Minimum Requirements Qualifications:

• Matric with Accounting (Higher Grade)
• BCom Degree or equivalent with Accounting III and Taxation
• Completed SAIPA or SAICA articles
  OR
• More than 6 years’ experience within an accounting practice

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years’ relevant accounting experience

Skills & Competencies

• Strong accounting, taxation and auditing knowledge
• Excellent interpersonal and client communication skills
• Ability to communicate in English (Afrikaans and/or Xhosa advantageous)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent time management and organisational ability
• Ability to work accurately under pressure in a deadline-driven environment
• Proven supervisory and leadership capability

Systems & Software

• Pastel
• Case Ware
• Xero
• Microsoft Excel, Word and Windows

Please note that only suitable candidates will be contacted.