Bookkeeping Manager

Pillangó Placements; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and client-focused professional services firm as a Senior Bookkeeper. In this role, you will manage the full bookkeeping function up to trial balance while leading a team of junior finance staff. Your expertise will ensure accurate financial records, compliance with legislation, and support during month-end and year-end processes. This position offers a chance to work in a supportive environment that values efficiency and proactive solutions, making it an exciting opportunity for experienced finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of full-function bookkeeping experience required.
• 2–3 years of supervisory experience in finance or bookkeeping.
• Strong knowledge of VAT, PAYE, and compliance in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Manage full bookkeeping function up to trial balance and oversee junior staff.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and relevant legislation.
• Prepare and submit VAT, PAYE, and statutory returns.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Team Leadership

Financial Reporting

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Education

Diploma or Degree in Accounting

Bookkeeping or Finance

Tools

Pastel

Xero

Caseware

Sage

Psiber

Job description

Become part of a growing, client-centred team in a professional services firm that delivers tailored accounting, tax, secretarial, and payroll solutions to over 1,000 clients across South Africa and beyond, with a strong focus on value, efficiency, and proactive support.

As the Senior Bookkeeper, you will be responsible for managing the full bookkeeping function up to trial balance, overseeing junior finance staff, and ensuring accurate financial records and reconciliations.

The role requires a detail-oriented and experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills to manage daily finance operations, ensure compliance, and support month-end and year-end close processes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Bookkeeping & Financial Processing:

• Perform full-function bookkeeping to trial balance, including processing journals, accruals, and adjustments.
• Oversee and approve accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions.
• Maintain the general ledger and perform month-end reconciliations.
• Manage fixed asset register, depreciation calculations, and asset compliance.
• Prepare and submit VAT, PAYE, and other statutory returns.
• Support the preparation of management accounts and financial reports.

Team Management:

• Supervise and mentor a team of junior finance staff or bookkeepers.
• Allocate and review tasks, set performance targets, and provide training as needed.
• Implement and maintain financial procedures, controls, and reporting systems.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting by the team.
• Act as point of contact for internal and external finance queries.

Process & Compliance:

• Ensure all bookkeeping and reporting processes comply with internal policies and relevant legislation.
• Assist with year-end audit preparation and liaise with external auditors.
• Support financial forecasting and budgeting processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Bookkeeping, or Finance.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of full-function bookkeeping experience.
• At least 2–3 years of supervisory or team lead experience.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting software (e.g., Pastel, Xero, Caseware, Sage, Psiber).
• Experience in a multi-entity environment is advantageous.
• Solid understanding of VAT, PAYE, and other statutory requirements in South Africa.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Proactive, organized, and capable of managing multiple deadlines.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving ability and discretion with confidential information.

The proposed salary for the role is R40k - R60k per month, with the possibility of market-related offers based on qualifications, skills, and experience. Please apply online via the provided link. We do not accept CVs via WhatsApp or email.

Desired Skills: bookkeeping, manager, trial balance, journals, tax, team leader, supervision, compliance.