Accountant

Affinity International; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking a skilled Accountant based in South Africa to manage full-cycle accounting for international clients. Responsibilities include managing multiple client accounts using QuickBooks Online, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and performing reconciliations. The ideal candidate has 35+ years of accounting experience, strong understanding of South African tax compliance, and is comfortable working independently with remote teams. This role is remote, requiring attention to detail and deadlines.

Qualifications

• 35+ years of accounting experience, preferably client-facing.
• Strong understanding of South African tax compliance.
• Familiarity with international reporting practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple client accounts using QuickBooks Online.
• Perform monthly/quarterly reconciliations.
• Prepare trial balance, profit & loss, and balance sheet reports.

Skills

Accounting experience

QuickBooks Online

Excel skills

Tax compliance understanding

Document management

Education

Diploma or degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Job description

About the job Accountant

Overview

We are seeking a skilled Accountant based in South Africa to manage full-cycle accounting for international small business clients. You will be responsible for accurate financial reporting, reconciliations, ledger integrity, and preparing books for external review. The role is remote, but attention to deadlines, detail, and international standards is key.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Manage multiple client accounts using QuickBooks Online
• Set up and maintain the chart of accounts, classes, and tracking categories
• Ensure daily transactions are accurately recorded and categorized

Reconciliations & GL Management

• Perform monthly/quarterly bank, credit card, and loan account reconciliations
• Maintain sub-ledgers (AR, AP, fixed assets) and reconcile to the general ledger
• Process journals for accruals, depreciation, and correcting entries

Month-End Close Process

• Follow structured monthly close procedures
• Prepare trial balance, profit & loss, and balance sheet reports for review
• Ensure all supporting documentation is organized and accessible

Cleanup & File Reviews

• Identify errors or gaps in prior bookkeeping
• Correct historical balances and ensure alignment with prior tax filings
• Work with senior accountants to deliver audit-ready books

VAT & Payroll Support (SA & International)

• Allocate and track VAT/sales tax correctly in accounting systems
• Record and reconcile payroll journals from local or outsourced providers
• Assist in preparing supporting documents for SARS or international equivalents

1099 / Compliance Support (U.S. Clients)

• Support preparation of 1099 reports for U.S.-based clients
• Collect vendor info and verify records for year-end reporting

Team Collaboration & Quality Oversight

• Review junior bookkeepers entries for accuracy and compliance
• Escalate unusual transactions or risks to senior team members
• Work flexibly across time zones and communicate clearly with global clients

Requirements

• 35+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a client-facing or outsourced environment
• Strong QuickBooks experience (QBO essential; Desktop a plus)
• Understanding of South African tax compliance (VAT, UIF, PAYE) and cash vs accrual accounting
• Familiarity with international reporting practices, especially U.S. accounting terminology
• Strong Excel and document management skills
• Diploma or degree in Accounting/Finance
• Comfortable working independently with remote teams
• Stable internet and reliable power backup recommended