Bookkeeper & Customer Service Support

VirtuHire; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 380,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

VirtuHire is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper & Customer Service Support to manage the day-to-day finance function across two related businesses while providing customer service assistance. The role is remote (South Africa) with permanent, full-time employment and UK business hours.

About 60% bookkeeping, 40% customer service, handling reconciliations, VAT, payroll, supplier payments, and reporting. You will use Xero, Shopify, Google Workspace, and receipt-capture tools to keep accurate records

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on bookkeeping experience.
• Proficient in Xero including payroll and bank feeds.
• Experience preparing UK VAT returns (MTD).
• Experience processing supplier payments and monthly payroll.

Responsibilities

• Perform reconciliations across multiple entities in Xero.
• Process supplier bills and sales invoices; manage ledgers.
• Run monthly payroll and VAT returns under MTD.
• Prepare monthly management reports (P&L, cash position).
• Support month-end and year-end processes with external accountants.
• Respond to customer inquiries via email/phone and assist with orders.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Time management

English proficiency

Independent working

Tools

Xero

Shopify

Google Workspace

Dext / receipt capture

Job description

Location: Remote – South Africa
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, UK business hours

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and dependable Bookkeeper & Customer Service Support professional to manage the day-to-day finance function across two related businesses while also providing customer service support when required.

Approximately 60% of the position is focused on bookkeeping and finance administration, with the remaining 40% supporting customer service activities. The successful candidate will take ownership of reconciliations, VAT, payroll, supplier payments and management reporting, while assisting customers with orders, deliveries and returns.

This position would suit someone who is highly organised, confident working independently and comfortable taking responsibility for deadlines in a small, fast-moving team.

Key Responsibilities

Bookkeeping & Finance – approximately 60%

• Complete bank, card and payment-platform reconciliations in Xero across multiple entities.
• Process supplier bills and sales invoices and maintain accurate purchase and sales ledgers.
• Prepare monthly supplier payment runs and payment files for approval.
• Prepare and process monthly payroll in Xero.
• Prepare and submit UK VAT returns, including requirements under Making Tax Digital (MTD).
• Produce monthly management information, including profit and loss, cash position and key costs.
• Support month-end and year-end processes.
• Liaise with external accountants when required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and ensure key deadlines are met.

Customer Service – approximately 40%

• Respond professionally to customer enquiries via email and telephone.
• Assist customers with orders, products, deliveries and returns.
• Follow up on delivery issues and coordinate with relevant internal teams and couriers.
• Maintain accurate customer and order information.
• Provide additional customer support during busy periods.

Essential Requirements

• 3+ years of hands‑on bookkeeping experience.
• Strong practical experience using Xero, including bank feeds, reconciliations and payroll.
• Experience preparing and submitting UK VAT returns, ideally under Making Tax Digital.
• Experience preparing supplier payment runs and processing payroll to monthly deadlines.
• Strong customer service experience across telephone and email.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and meet deadlines without close supervision.

Highly Desirable Experience

• Previous experience supporting UK clients or businesses.
• Knowledge of UK payroll, PAYE and RTI.
• Multi-entity bookkeeping experience.
• E‑commerce, retail, manufacturing or stock‑based business experience.
• Experience with Dext or similar receipt‑capture software.
• Experience using Shopify.
• A recognised bookkeeping/accounting qualification such as ICB or SAIPA.

Systems & Tools

The role will primarily involve:

Xero | Google Workspace | Receipt Capture Software | Shopify