Bookkeeper/ Accountant + Junior Finance Manager

Happy Culture SA; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A growing FMCG company in Paarl is looking for a Senior Bookkeeper / Accountant. This full-time role involves bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management. Candidates should have experience in these areas and be self-starters. The position provides an opportunity for career growth into a Financial Manager role. Competitive compensation and a dynamic, fun culture are offered.

Benefits

Growth opportunities

Dynamic work culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in bookkeeping and accounting.
• Strong understanding of financial management practices.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage bookkeeping, HR, and financial administration.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Work closely with leadership on financial strategy.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Accounting

Financial Management

HR Administration

Retail Order Management

Tools

Xero

Job description

Senior Bookkeeper / Accountant + Junior Finance Manager

Full-time | Office-based | Simondium (Paarl)

We’re a growing FMCG company on an exciting mission - and we’re looking for the right person to join our team to optimise and drive the company’s financial function and performance.

In the immediate term, the role will encompass bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management responsibilities, along with elements of HR administration and retail order management.

This is a dynamic position offering broad exposure across manufacturing, retail, and brand building — with a ton of learning, growth, and impact opportunities. You’ll be part of a small, passionate team with a fun culture and the energy of a fast-growing start-up.

The vision is for this person to grow into a Financial Manager/Accountant role in the near future, at which point a junior bookkeeper or administrator will be added to the team. The timeline for this progression will depend on the candidate’s capability and growth.

🌟 Important - Only apply if:

• You align with our brand ethos and company culture of health;
• You live in a 20 minutes radius of Simondium;
• You are a reliable, organised self-starter ready to take on a role with diverse responsibilities and growth opportunity;
• You are a positive mindset kind of person;
• You're excited about the idea of a small team, start-up environment where you can have broad exposure and big impact.

🧾 About the Role

Initial Role: Key Responsibilities

• Bookkeeping, HR & Financial Administration: Capture and reconcile transactions in Xero
• Manage debtors, creditors, petty cash, and bank reconciliations
• Handle VAT, EMP returns, and SARS submissions
• HR, Payroll and salary administration
• Process retailer rebates and remittance reports

Accounting

• Ensure statutory compliance, accurate financial reporting, and adherence to all regulatory requirements
• Prepare management accounts and financial statements
• Ensure tax, VAT, and payroll compliance
• Manage general ledger and chart of accounts
• Liaise with auditors and SARS
• Track expenses and maintain internal financial controls

Financial management support

Work closely with the COO and CEO in optimising the financial management of the company:

• Overseeing the full finance function - including accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Maintaining hands-on control of daily financial operations while driving long-term financial planning and analysis
• Developing and implementing budgets, forecasts, financial models, and analytical frameworks that support data-driven decision-making and profitability optimisation
• Monitoring and reporting on cash flow, working capital, profitability, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Conducting costing and profitability analyses, including BOM costing, throughput, and manufacturing cost accounting, to ensure accurate pricing and margin management
• Advising leadership on financial strategy, cost control, pricing, and investment planning, identifying risks and opportunities to strengthen business performance
• Collaborating with the team across production, procurement, and sales to align financial outcomes with operational objectives
• Managing relationships with banks, auditors, investors, and other financial partners
• Supporting and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and data accuracy across the finance function
• Providing management with clear financial insights to guide business decisions and growth strategy

Retail Orders Management

Work closely with the COO and sales team in:

• Processing and managing retail orders (e.g., Pick n Pay, Checkers, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Food Lovers Market, Wellness Warehouse) and independent customer orders
• Book delivery slots and coordinate with distribution centres (DCs)
• Liaise with DCs and delivery partners

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You…

• Feel comfortable taking on the roles and responsibilities mentioned above, and are excited about the idea to embrace growth opportunities
• Are proactive, dynamic, dependable, and love taking initiative
• Have a strong eye for detail and have amazing organisational skills
• Are excellent at working with numbers and financial systems
• Have prior experience in bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, HR, and retail/FMCG operations (Xero experience a plus!)
• Thrive in a small team and start-up kind of culture
• Are happy to jump in and support other areas of the business when needed
• Are ambitious and driven

Bonus if you already know and love our products! ✨

💛 Why Join Happy Culture?

We’re a small, passionate team driven by purpose and creativity. At Happy Culture, every team member plays a meaningful role in bringing more good vibes and good health into the world.

If you’re ready to grow your skills, take ownership, and be part of a vibrant company making a positive impact - this is your opportunity.