Accountant

University of Fort Hare; Kraaifontein; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established educational institution in Kraaifontein is seeking an experienced Accountant to oversee the finance department. The role includes financial reporting, internal controls, and managing month-end processes. Ideal candidates will have a BCom in Accounting or Finance and 3–5 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel are required.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a full accounting role.
• Strong month-end and reporting capabilities.
• Solid understanding of tax legislation and audit preparation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the finance department's functions.
• Manage month-end processes and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication skills

Strong numerical ability

Problem-solving

Education

BCom Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Accounting systems

Job description

Market related Monthly Basic Salary (Market related)

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.

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

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

Candidates who currently reside in close proximity to Kraaifontein | to the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town are invited to apply for this position