Accountant / Bookkeeper

Headhunters; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Accountant / Bookkeeper to join a distribution company in Port Elizabeth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bookkeeping, proficiency in accounting software like Sage Pastel, Xero, or QuickBooks, and the ability to handle payroll processes and foreign currency transactions. A minimum of 3–5 years of experience is required, along with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. This role offers diverse financial responsibilities within a supportive finance team.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in bookkeeping or accounting role.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Excel skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate books of accounts and financial transactions.
• Process invoices and supplier reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end close and financial reporting.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Accounting principles

VIP Payroll processing

Sage Pastel

Excel advanced skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Bookkeeping or Accounting qualification

Tools

Sage Pastel

Xero

QuickBooks

Job description

Our Client in the Distribution industry is seeking to employ an Accountant / Bookkeeper to their team based in Port Elizabeth.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Bookkeeping or Accounting qualification advantageous.
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a bookkeeping or accounting role.
• Experience with VIP Payroll processing.
• Experience handling foreign currency transactions advantageous.
• Experience with stock or inventory-related accounting advantageous.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as Sage Pastel, Xero, or QuickBooks.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs.
• Solid understanding of bookkeeping principles and financial controls.
• High attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a proactive approach.

Responsibilities, but not limited to

• Maintain accurate books of accounts, including general ledger, journals, and supporting schedules.
• Process daily financial transactions, including bank entries, receipts, payments, and reconciliations.
• Handle foreign currency transactions, including conversions, payments, and reconciliations.
• Prepare supplier reconciliations and manage creditor and debtor accounts.
• Process invoices, credit notes, and purchase orders.
• Assist with month-end close procedures and financial reporting.
• Process monthly payroll for all staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Manage employee records, leave tracking, and payroll-related queries.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns (PAYE, UIF, SDL).
• Record and reconcile stock movements and adjustments.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly stock counts and investigate variances.
• Work closely with operations to ensure accurate reporting of stock-related costs.
• Assist with audits by preparing supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company financial procedures and relevant legislation.
• Prepare management reports when required.
• Liaise with suppliers, customers, and service providers on financial queries.
• Support the finance team with ad hoc tasks and administrative requirements.

Please note that should you not receive a response within 2 weeks of applying, you may consider your application unsuccessful.