Client Accountant – Cape Town

Shift Pursuit; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Shift Pursuit in Claremont, Cape Town, is seeking an experienced Client Accountant to join our team. You will manage a portfolio of clients, perform high-level bookkeeping, and deliver accurate monthly accounting and reporting.

The role requires 3–5 years' experience in financial services, solid client service and communication skills, and proficiency with Excel and Xero. A commerce or finance degree is expected, with professional accounting designation advantageous.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience within a financial services environment, preferably in a Client Accountant, Senior Bookkeeper, or similar role.
• Strong experience and knowledge of high-level bookkeeping and monthly accounting functions.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of clients and high-volume, deadline-driven responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Processing bank reconciliations, petty cash, journals, and accounting files up to Trial Balance
• Preparing VAT reports and reconciliations
• Assisting clients with creditor payments and maintaining accurate Aged Payables and Receivables
• Managing payroll administration
• Assisting with cash flow management and budgeting
• Preparing and filing statutory returns
• Preparing monthly Management Accounts
• Preparing and managing inventory reconciliations
• Managing a portfolio of clients across various industries and maintaining strong client relationships
• Reviewing the work of junior team members and ensuring high operational standards
• Proactively communicating with clients and ensuring deadlines and deliverables are consistently met

Skills

High-level bookkeeping

Portfolio management

Client service

Communication skills

Attention to detail

MS Office proficiency

Xero experience

Education

Commerce or Financial degree

Professional Accountant designation

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Xero

Job description

A well-established professional services firm is seeking an experienced Client Accountant to join their team in Claremont, Cape Town. This role is ideal for a highly organised and client-focused accounting professional with strong high-level bookkeeping experience who is confident managing a portfolio of clients, handling multiple deadlines, and delivering accurate monthly accounting and reporting.

Key Performance Areas:

• Processing bank reconciliations, petty cash, journals, and accounting files up to Trial Balance
• Preparing VAT reports and reconciliations
• Assisting clients with creditor payments and maintaining accurate Aged Payables and Receivables
• Managing payroll administration
• Assisting with cash flow management and budgeting
• Preparing and filing statutory returns
• Preparing monthly Management Accounts
• Preparing and managing inventory reconciliations
• Managing a portfolio of clients across various industries and maintaining strong client relationships
• Reviewing the work of junior team members and ensuring high operational standards
• Proactively communicating with clients and ensuring deadlines and deliverables are consistently met

Requirements:

• 3-5 years' experience within a financial services environment, preferably in a Client Accountant, Senior Bookkeeper, or similar role
• Strong experience and knowledge of high-level bookkeeping and monthly accounting functions
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of clients and high-volume, deadline-driven responsibilities
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and accuracy
• Excellent client service and communication skills
• Commerce or Financial degree
• Professional Accountant designation (advantageous)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Xero experience (advantageous)

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and should you not hear from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.