Bookkeeper

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting private school is seeking a dedicated Bookkeeper to join its vibrant team. This role is crucial for maintaining financial integrity, accuracy, and operational efficiency within the institution. The Bookkeeper will manage cash flow, perform reconciliations, process payments, and support audits, ensuring all financial transactions comply with relevant policies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial stewardship of a forward-thinking educational environment. If you are passionate about finance and education, this is the perfect role for you to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of bookkeeping experience in a service-based environment.
• Finance Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting required.

Responsibilities

• Manage cash book and petty cash, ensuring accurate records.
• Perform monthly reconciliations and assist with budget management.

Skills

Financial Management

Accounting

Problem Solving

Compliance

Cash Flow Management

Education

Finance Diploma

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Accounting Software

School Billing Platforms

Job description

Rallim Modern Learning Environment, an exciting private school situated on Berkshire Boulevard, Sunningdale, in the Western Cape, is seeking to employ a Bookkeeper to join a talented and creative community in May 2025.

First preference will be given to candidates based in Cape Town.

Job Purpose

The Bookkeeper plays a critical role in supporting the financial integrity, accuracy, and operational efficiency of the school. This role is responsible for a range of financial functions, including cash flow management, reconciliations, payment processing, audit preparation, and other finance-related administrative duties. The Bookkeeper ensures that all financial transactions are accurately recorded, compliant with relevant policies, and processed in a timely manner, thereby contributing to the effective financial stewardship of the institution. The role works closely with the finance team and reports directly to both the Finance Manager and the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring alignment with the institution’s broader financial strategy and governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cash Book Capturing
   • Record all financial transactions accurately in the cash book, including receipts, payments, and bank transfers.
   • Update the cash book regularly to reflect the most current financial data.
   • Reconcile cash book balances with bank statements and investigate and resolve any discrepancies.
2. Petty Cash Custodian
   • Manage the petty cash fund, including disbursements, reimbursements, and maintaining proper documentation.
   • Reconcile petty cash balances regularly and replenish funds as needed.
3. Monthly Reconciliations
   • Perform monthly reconciliations for various accounts, including the cash book, petty cash, and credit cards.
   • Identify and investigate discrepancies between accounting records and bank statements.
   • Prepare detailed reconciliation reports for review and approval.
4. Payment Processing
   • Capture and prepare payments for approval, ensuring accuracy and adherence to payments schedules.
   • Check and load payment information onto the bank system for processing.
   • Maintain proper documentation and records of all payments made.
5. Asset Management
   • Manage the school’s asset register, ensuring accurate recording and regular updates.
   • Conduct periodic asset audits to verify the existence and condition of assets.
   • Asset Tagging in liaison with the Procurement Officer.
6. Budget Management
   • Assist with the annual budget process as required by Department Heads.
   • Monitor budget performance.
7. Compliance & Audit
   • Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations of financial transactions.
8. Assist with Debtors/ Creditors oversight
   • Regular checking to ensure accuracy of transactions recorded.
   • Review debtor/ creditor reconciliations and aging reports, addressing any outstanding issues and discrepancies.
   • Assist with the preparation of financial reports, budgets, and forecasts as needed.
   • Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations of financial transactions.
   • Undertake any additional financial tasks or projects as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Finance Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Science, or a related commercial discipline.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a bookkeeping or financial administration role, ideally within an educational or similar service-based environment.
• Familiarity with school billing platforms, tuition fee administration, and related financial procedures is advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of accounting systems, audit preparation, and financial compliance within a school or not-for-profit context is preferred.
• Knowledge of school procurement and payment policies is an advantage.

Behavioural Attributes

• Professional and pleasant demeanour when dealing with vendors and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
• Commitment to upholding ethical financial practices and ensuring compliance.
• High sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Team player with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position, based on-site at the school’s finance department.
• Standard working hours with occasional flexibility required during peak financial periods (e.g., month-end closings, audits).
• Interaction with various stakeholders, including vendors, staff, and external service providers.

Reporting Structure:

Reports to: Finance Manager/ Chief Operating Officer

Documents required to apply for this vacancy:

The following documents are mandatory and must be attached with your application. Failure to do so will result in your application not being considered.

• Police clearance record, sexual offenders’ register clearance, and a child protection register clearance (<6 Months old) from the Republic of South Africa.
• Certified copy of ID or passport.
• Certified copies of your qualifications and SAQA evaluation report for international qualifications.

If you would like to be a part of this exciting modern learning environment and have the requisite skills, qualifications and experience, kindly submit your CV and letter of application to HR at [e-mail] by no later than 22 April 2025.

No appointment will be considered or finalised until the above-mentioned requirements have been met by the prospective employee. Failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. We reserve the right to withdraw this appointment at any time.

At Rallim, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. All staff and volunteers who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the Rallim safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff and volunteers are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa.

*Disclaimer:

Rallim, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), is committed to ensuring the confidentiality of personal information with all reasonable measures being taken to protect the personal information of applicants. Your information will be used for the sole purpose of recruitment for the listed post only, as well as for the required statutory reporting. By applying to this position and submitting your personal details and curriculum vitae to Rallim Modern Learning Environment, you acknowledge acceptance of this.