Bookkeeper / Accountant

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

Job summary

Sagen Advisory is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper/Accountant for its Durbanville office. You will manage the full monthly bookkeeping cycle for a portfolio of SME clients, handling VAT, EMP submissions, payroll, SARS compliance, and financial reporting with accuracy and proactive communication.

The role requires 3–5 years in practice, strong Xero/Sage/Pastel skills, and bilingual Afrikaans/English abilities to service diverse clients in SA.

Qualifications

• Experience in an accounting practice environment is preferred.
• Proficient in VAT concepts for SA SME clients.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Manage full monthly bookkeeping cycle for SME clients.
• Prepare VAT201 and EMP201 submissions accurately.
• Process payroll and maintain payroll records.
• Prepare management accounts and financial reports.
• Conduct bank, debtor, and creditor reconciliations; ensure deadlines.

Skills

Full-Function Bookkeeping

Bank Reconciliations

VAT201

EMP201

Payroll Administration

Financial Reporting

Management Accounts

Xero

Sage

Pastel

SARS eFiling

SimplePay

Bilingual English-Afrikaans

Education

BCom Accounting

Tools

Xero

Sage

Pastel

SARS eFiling

SimplePay

Job description

Job Title: Bookkeeper / Accountant

Location: Durbanville, Northern Suburbs, Cape Town

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 Bookkeeper /Accountant 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

• Support month-end bookkeeping and reporting processes - Bookkeeping up-to-trial balance.
• 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.
• 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

• Prior experience working within an accounting practice environment is preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Afrikaans.
• Solid understanding of VAT principles within a South African SME environment.
• Working knowledge of Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software.
• Qualified by 3–5 years of practical bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accounting practice.
• Proficiency in Xero, Sage, or Pastel, alongside solid South African VAT knowledge.
• Experience using SARS eFiling and SimplePay will be advantageous.
• Fluent in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal).
• Advantageous but not required - Completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent).
• 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.

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