Accounts Manager

Wiltons; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in South Africa is looking for an experienced Accounts Manager to lead a client-facing accounts team focused on the construction and project-based industries. Responsibilities include overseeing accounting services, team leadership, and client growth support. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in accounting, preferably with a background in construction, and Mandarin fluency is a significant advantage. The position offers negotiable salary.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in accounting, including construction or project-based accounting.
• Strong understanding of cost tracking, job costing and WIP.
• Mandarin fluency is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day delivery of accounting services to clients.
• Support preparation of annual financial statements and budgets.
• Train, develop, and motivate team members.
• Identify opportunities to expand services within the client base.
• Identify opportunities for client service expansion.

Skills

Team management

Client relationship management

Cost tracking

WIP and job costing

Proficient in accounting software

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Xero

Sage

Excel

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled Accounts Manager to lead a client-facing accounts team, with a particular focus on clients in the construction and project-based industries. This role involves managing deliverables, improving processes, and developing internal capabilities—not overseeing the full finance function. A core responsibility will be to strengthen and support the existing team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and client satisfaction, while allowing room for strategic contributions and innovation.

Mandarin-speaking candidates will be highly advantageous, given the nature of some client interactions.

Key Responsibilities

Client Accounting (Recurring)

• Oversee day-to-day delivery of accounting services to clients
• Ensure compliance with accounting and tax regulations
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports
• Support preparation of annual financial statements and budgets
• Draft and manage fee proposals and engagement letters
• Maintain professional communication with clients regarding all accounting matters

Client Accounting (Ad-Hoc)

• Provide support on project-based and construction-related financial needs
• Understand and manage contract accounting, job costing, WIP schedules, and project reporting
• Assist clients with industry-specific compliance and structuring

Internal Operations & Reporting

• Manage monthly billing cycles, WIP reports, and timesheet reviews
• Track internal deadlines and resource planning
• Collaborate with leadership to improve systems and processes

Team Leadership

• Train, develop, and motivate team members
• Ensure quality control and timely delivery of outputs
• Build a strong, self-reliant team culture

Client Growth & Support

• Identify opportunities to expand services within the existing client base
• Support onboarding of new clients and projects

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (SAIPA/SAICA articles preferred)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in accounting, including construction or project-based accounting
• Strong understanding of cost tracking, WIP, and job costing
• Proven experience managing teams and client relationships
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Xero, Sage) and Excel
• Mandarin fluency is a strong advantage
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills

Salary: Negotiable