Senior Accountant

Snatch | Accounting & Finance Headhunters; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Snatch | Accounting & Finance Headhunters is building a founding South African team for an expanding international public accounting firm. As a Senior Accountant, you will own the full accounting cycle for a dedicated SME portfolio and be the primary financial contact.

The role requires SA/AGA certification with 6–10 years in public practice, strong cloud accounting experience (Xero), month-end reporting, payroll and tax knowledge, and a proactive advisory mindset to collaborate with global

Qualifications

• Qualified Professional Accountant (SA) or AGA (SA) with 6 to 10 years of total accounting experience, including a strong background in public practice.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and deliver monthly financial reports.
• Manage full accounting cycle for multiple clients.
• Process international payroll and handle tax deposits.
• Oversee accounts payable, bill payments, and reconciliations.
• Maintain subsidiary records for assets and loans.
• Prepare and file sales and property tax returns.
• Lead client meetings and provide transactional advisory.
• Collaborate with internal tax teams to meet service standards.

Skills

Cloud accounting software

Month-end reporting

Education

SA/AGA qualification (SA) or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Job description

Join the founding South African team for a growing international firm

Role Overview

An expanding international public accounting firm is actively building its South African presence. Specialising in accounting, payroll, and tax services for a niche global market, the firm leverages modern platforms to deliver high-level financial insights. With an existing team spread across North America and Australasia, they are now establishing a dedicated core team in South Africa to support their growing international client base.

As a Senior Accountant, you will take ownership of the full accounting cycle for a dedicated portfolio of SME clients. This role blends technical accounting with high-touch advisory, requiring you to act as the primary financial contact.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and deliver accurate month-end financial reports and statements to clients within strict deadlines.
• Manage the full accounting cycle, including multiple bank reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, and adjusting journal entries.
• Process international payroll for client employees, managing tax deposits, accrual adjustments, and regulatory documentation.
• Oversee accounts payable workflows, including bill payments, statement reviews, and dispute resolution.
• Maintain accurate subsidiary records for fixed assets, loan balances, and other key accounts.
• Prepare and file sales tax and personal property tax returns, managing related regulatory correspondence.
• Act as the main point of contact for a portfolio of clients, leading video meetings and providing transactional advisory.
• Collaborate proactively with internal tax teams, client advisors, and management to relay insights and ensure service standards are met.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Professional Accountant (SA) or AGA (SA) with 6 to 10 years of total accounting experience, including a strong background in public practice.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full accounting cycle for multiple clients simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency in cloud accounting software, with specific, hands‑on expertise in Xero.
• Solid understanding of international tax principles or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new regulatory frameworks and platforms.