Bookkeeper / Finance Administrator

Outsourced CFO; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established supplier of packaging equipment is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper/Finance Administrator. The role involves full-function bookkeeping, project cost accounting, and reporting. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience, relevant qualifications, and strong communication skills. This position is remote for now, with potential to shift to a hybrid setup in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven bookkeeping/accounting experience.
• Experience in project cost accounting and reporting.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Full-function bookkeeping: processing, reconciliations, and journals.
• Tracking project costs and budgets.
• Preparation of financial and operational reports for management.

Skills

Debt collection knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma, Degree, or SAIBA/SAIPA/ICB certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

ERP/Accounting software

Job description

Overview

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a well-established supplier and project manager of bottling, filling, and packaging equipment in South Africa. With operations across Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, they have been serving the beverage, food, edible oil, lube oil, and chemical industries since 1990. Their expertise covers design, specification, sales, installation, commissioning, servicing, spare parts supply, machinery overhauls and upgrades, equipment audits, as well as the sales and re-building of used equipment. We are seeking a full-time Bookkeeper / Finance Administrator to join their team. The role is remote for now, with the possibility of becoming a hybrid position once there is a physical office established (either in Cape Town or Johannesburg).

Responsibilities

• Bookkeeping & Finance
• Full-function bookkeeping: processing, reconciliations, and journals
• Accounts payable & receivable management
• Credit control and debt collection
• Invoicing and expense management
• Bank reconciliations, VAT submissions, and compliance support
• Preparing monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports
• Assisting with annual audits and liaising with external auditors

• Project Management Accounting
• Tracking project costs and budgets
• Assisting with financial reporting for ongoing projects
• Supporting project managers with accurate cost allocations and forecasts
• Monitoring supplier payments and customer collections related to projects

• Reporting & Analysis
• Preparation of financial and operational reports for management
• Cash flow tracking and forecasting
• Identifying overdue accounts and initiating collection processes
• General Administration & Support
• Assisting with customer and supplier communication
• Supporting senior management with administrative and reporting duties
• Maintaining accurate financial and project records
• Coordinating between finance, sales, and project teams

• Ad-hoc Operational Tasks
• Assist when required, such as booking flights and accommodation for technicians or delivering urgent parts to clients or team members to ensure smooth operations.

Requirements

• Trained bookkeeper or accountant with relevant qualifications (Diploma, Degree, or SAIBA/SAIPA/ICB certification preferred)
• 5+ years of proven bookkeeping/accounting experience
• Experience in project cost accounting and reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Mac OS (ERP/Accounting software experience advantageous)
• Previous experience in the packaging, manufacturing, or engineering industries would be beneficial
• Based in Cape Town or Johannesburg
• Valid driver\'s license

Skills / Characteristics

• Strong knowledge of debt collection and credit control
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, especially during month-end periods
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple tasks