Accountant / Bookkeeper

Sagen Advisory; George; On-site; ZAR 223,000 - 335,000; Full time

Job summary

Sagen Advisory in George is seeking an experienced Accountant / Bookkeeper to manage the full monthly bookkeeping cycle for a portfolio of SME clients. You will handle transaction processing, VAT and EMP submissions, payroll administration, SARS compliance and financial reporting with accuracy and clear client communication.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant qualification, 3–5 years of practical bookkeeping or accounting experience, and hands-on experience with Xero, Sage or Pastel.

Qualifications

• Completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent).
• 3 to 5 years of practical bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Prior experience in an accounting practice environment preferred.
• Solid understanding of VAT principles in a South African SME context.
• Experience with Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software; SARS eFiling familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile client financial transactions accurately and timeously.
• Maintain bookkeeping records for a portfolio of SME clients.
• Prepare and submit VAT201 and EMP201 returns.
• Process payroll and maintain payroll records.
• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for clients.
• Perform bank, debtor, creditor, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Perform tax calculations and complete tax returns for individuals.
• Support month-end bookkeeping and reporting processes.
• Liaise with clients regarding bookkeeping queries and information.
• Ensure deadlines and regulatory obligations are met.

Skills

Full-Function Bookkeeping

Bank Reconciliations

VAT201

EMP201

Payroll Administration

Financial Reporting

Management Accounts

Education

BCom or National Diploma in Accounting

Tools

Xero

Sage

Pastel

SARS eFiling

SimplePay

Job description

Job Title: Accountant / Bookkeeper

Location: George, Garden Route

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: R20000 – R30000pm

Company Description

Our client is an established and forward-thinking accounting practice dedicated to delivering high-quality bookkeeping, tax, and financial management services to a diverse portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients. They foster a collaborative, tech-forward, and supportive working environment focused on precision, client relationships, and professional growth.

Clear Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Accountant / Bookkeeper to manage the full monthly bookkeeping cycle for a dedicated portfolio of SME clients. The successful candidate will handle transaction processing, VAT and EMP submissions, payroll administration, SARS compliance, and financial reporting while maintaining exceptional standards of accuracy and communication.

Expanded Duties and Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile client financial transactions accurately and timeously.




• Maintain comprehensive bookkeeping records for a portfolio of SME clients.




• Prepare and submit VAT201 and EMP201 returns.




• Process payroll and maintain accurate payroll records.




• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for clients.




• Perform bank, debtor, creditor, and balance sheet reconciliations.




• Perform tax calculations and complete tax returns for individuals.




• Support month-end bookkeeping and reporting processes.




• Liaise directly with clients regarding bookkeeping queries and outstanding information.




• Ensure all client deadlines and regulatory compliance obligations are met consistently.




• Compile financial statements (advantageous).

Qualifications and Experience

• Completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent).




• 3 to 5 years of practical bookkeeping or accounting experience.




• Prior experience working within an accounting practice environment is preferred.




• Solid understanding of VAT principles within a South African SME environment.




• Working knowledge of Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software.




• Experience using SARS eFiling and SimplePay will be advantageous.




• Fluent in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal).

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong technology aptitude with the ability to learn new systems quickly.




• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.




• Capable of managing multiple deadlines and client requirements simultaneously.




• Strong communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

KEYWORDS & SKILLS LIST

• Hard Skills: Full-Function Bookkeeping, Bank Reconciliations, VAT201, EMP201, Payroll Administration, Financial Reporting, Management Accounts, Xero, Sage, Pastel, SARS eFiling, SimplePay.




• Soft Skills: Attention to Detail, Time Management, Proactive Mindset, Organization, Client Relationship Management, Bilingualism (English & Afrikaans).




• Job Related Skills: Balance Sheet Reconciliations, Tax Calculations, Deadline Management, Portfolio Management, Query Resolution.




• Summary: Accountant, Bookkeeper, SME Accountant, Practice Bookkeeper, BCom Accounting, Xero, Sage, Pastel, VAT, Payroll, Sagen Advisory.

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONS –

Please answer the following questions in the designated fields

1. Do you have a completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent)? (Yes / No)




2. How many years of practical bookkeeping or accounting experience do you have? (Numerical)




3. Do you have hands-on working experience within an accounting practice environment? (Yes / No)




4. Are you proficient in working with Xero, Sage, or Pastel accounting software? (Yes / No)




5. Are you fluent and comfortable communicating in both English and Afrikaans (written and verbal)? (Yes / No)




6. What is your expected monthly salary? (Numerical)




7. What is your earliest available start date? (Numerical / Date)