Accountant

ARVO; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A South African property development company is seeking an Accountant to join their team in a flexible, reduced-hours role, transitioning into full-time as the company grows. Candidates should have a SAIPA, ACMA/CGMA or equivalent qualification, with 5–10+ years in finance and expertise in Xero. Responsibilities include managing the full accounting cycle, drafting financial statements, and supporting tax compliance. The role offers the chance to directly collaborate with the founding team and contribute to building scalable systems for long-term growth.

Benefits

Training and support

Direct collaboration with the founding team

Opportunity for long-term growth

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in finance with proven accounting/tax processing.
• Experience in the property sector is an advantage.
• Strong technical aptitude to learn new software.

Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting cycle, including reconciliations and management accounts.
• Draft monthly financial packs and cash-flow forecasts.
• Manage and submit all tax and VAT returns, ensuring compliance.

Skills

Accounting cycle management

Managing tax/VAT returns

Xero expertise

Excel/reporting skills

Education

SAIPA, ACMA/CGMA, or equivalent

Tools

Xero

MRI/MDA

Job description

Overview

Location: HYBRID in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Working hours: Full time. 8 hours a day, with flexibility.

Our client is a South African property development company focused on commercial and industrial projects. They specialise in quality developments in prime locations, with an emphasis on client relationships and sustainable practices.

They are looking for an Accountant to join their team! This is a reduced-hours role (shorter daily hours across the week), building into a permanent position.

This is a long-term opportunity to become an integral part of their growth journey, taking ownership of finance and systems in a founder-led property company.

This role is perfect for someone who’s committed for the long haul—willing to test themselves, make mistakes, learn, and grow alongside the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting cycle: reconciliations, ledgers, journals, and management accounts.
• Draft monthly packs, cash-flow forecasts, and annual financial statements.
• Manage and submit all tax and VAT returns, ensuring SARS compliance.
• Provide administrative support across finance and property operations.
• Act as their Xero champion with proven expertise in the package.
• Take on MRI/MDA property software: ideally with prior experience, or strong technical aptitude to upskill and lead the transition (training provided).
• Provide support on property valuations and feasibility models as required.
• Assist in building systems and processes as the company matures, helping to create scalable structures that support long-term growth.
• Prepare accurate, timely insights to support management decisions.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Qualification: SAIPA, ACMA/CGMA, or equivalent (CA(SA) not required).
• Experience: 5–10+ years in finance, with proven accounting/tax processing; property sector exposure an advantage.
• Technical: Advanced Xero expertise; MRI/MDA experience or willingness to become their in-house champion; strong Excel/reporting skills.
• Attributes: Detail-driven, independent, organised, eager to learn, resilient, and committed to the company’s long-term growth.

What They Offer

• A reduced-hours structure now, with a clear path to full-time as the company grows.
• End-to-end responsibility for finance, tax, compliance, and systems in a growing property business.
• Training and support to become their MRI/MDA champion.
• Direct collaboration with the founding team.
• The opportunity to help build scalable systems and processes that shape the company’s maturity.
• A long-term growth journey with a company that values initiative, learning, and resilience.