Accountant

Snatch | Accounting & Finance Headhunters; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 335,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

Snatch | Accounting & Finance Headhunters is seeking an ambitious Accountant based in South Africa to take ownership of a portfolio of small business clients for a UK accounting firm. You will review accounts prepared by a support team, explain results to clients and assist with day-to-day accounting and tax queries.

You will build client relationships, provide practical advice and meet compliance deadlines with limited hands-on accounts work. UK practice experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification and client-facing experience.
• 3–5 years of accounting experience with portfolio responsibilities.
• Experience discussing accounting and tax matters with business owners.
• Experience using Xero or QuickBooks and Excel.
• UK practice exposure or knowledge of UK standards is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of small business clients, coordinating year-end accounts and filing deadlines.
• Review accounts and tax returns prepared by the team and resolve queries.
• Explain financial results to clients and discuss profits and tax matters.
• Advise on salary and dividend decisions, cash flow, and taxes.
• Coordinate VAT and personal tax reviews and company filings.
• Maintain client records and ensure service standards are met.

Skills

Professional accounting qualification

Client relationship management

Xero or QuickBooks

Excel

UK practice exposure

Education

SAICA/CA(SA) or AGA SA

CIMA in progress

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

Advise small businesses within a UK accounting firm

Role Overview

A UK accounting firm is looking for an ambitious Accountant based in South Africa to take ownership of a portfolio of small business clients.

You will review accounts prepared by a dedicated support team, explain financial results to clients and assist with day-to-day accounting and tax queries. The role focuses on building client relationships, providing practical advice and meeting compliance deadlines, with limited hands‑on accounts preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of limited company clients, coordinating year-end accounts, tax returns, client approvals and filing deadlines.
• Review accounts and tax returns prepared by the support team, identify amendments and resolve outstanding queries before client approval.
• Present financial results to business owners, explaining profits, balance sheets, corporation tax and directors’ loan accounts.
• Advise clients on routine salary and dividend decisions, cash flow and tax payments, escalating complex matters to specialists.
• Handle client emails, calls and meetings, resolve complaints and keep clients informed about progress and outstanding information.
• Coordinate VAT and personal tax return reviews, company filing requirements and queries involving payroll or other specialist teams.
• Maintain accurate client records, workflow updates and follow‑ups while meeting service standards and protecting client information.

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Accountant (SA), AGA (SA), or working towards CIMA.
• 3 - 5 years of accounting experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing client relationships and discussing accounting or tax matters directly with business owners.
• Proficiency in Xero or QuickBooks, along with Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple client deadlines, follow up on outstanding information and secure approvals.
• UK practice experience and knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax would be advantageous.

Salary & Benefits

• R30,000 - R40,000 per month (based on relevant experience)