Compliance Assistant

Candidate Catcher; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is looking for a dedicated Assistant Accounts and Compliance Officer in Cape Town. This hybrid role involves supporting daily accounting tasks and ensuring compliance with South African laws. The ideal candidate will have basic bookkeeping skills and 1–2 years of entry-level experience, along with proficiency in accounting software and a strong attention to detail. Excellent Excel skills and strong research abilities are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Basic bookkeeping skills and foundational knowledge of accounting principles are essential.
• 1–2+ years of administrative or entry-level experience in an office, finance, or compliance setting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, Xero) and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Accurately process and record financial transactions, including accounts payable and receivable.
• Perform regular bank, customer, and supplier account reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end closing procedures and support the preparation of financial reports.
• Assist the compliance team with client onboarding processes and data verification.
• Conduct research into regulatory changes and assist in documenting compliance procedures.
• Identify and document potential compliance risks and weaknesses.

Skills

Exceptional Excel Skills

Fluent in English

Strong Research Acumen

Attention to Detail

Integrity & Ethics

Organisational Skills

Education

Basic bookkeeping skills

1–2+ years administrative experience

Tools

Accounting software (e.g., Pastel, Xero)

MS Office Suite

Job description

Our client is seeking a diligent, detail-oriented professional to join our team in the dual role of Assistant Accounts and Compliance Officer. This hybrid position supports the finance department with daily accounting tasks while ensuring the organisation adheres to all relevant South African laws, regulations, and internal policies. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, enjoy administrative research, and possess strong analytical skills.

Key Responsibilities

Assistant Accounts Duties

• Financial Record Keeping: Accurately process and record day-to-day financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger entries using accounting software.
• Reconciliations: Perform regular bank, customer, and supplier account reconciliations, investigating and resolving any discrepancies.
• Reporting Assistance: Assist with month-end closing procedures and support the preparation of monthly financial reports.
• Audit Support: Maintain organised and up-to-date financial records and documentation for internal and external audits.

Compliance & Administration Duties

• Client Onboarding Support: Assist the compliance team with the administrative processes of new client onboarding, including data verification, document management, and background checks. This role does not require direct client communication.
• Policy & Research: Conduct desk-based research into regulatory changes (FAIS, FICA, POPIA) and assist in documenting and updating internal compliance procedures and control systems.
• Monitoring & Auditing Support: Assist in gathering evidence and documentation for internal audits to assess compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Risk Management Assistance: Identify and document potential compliance risks and weaknesses.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Basic bookkeeping skills and foundational knowledge of accounting principles are essential.
• 1–2+ years of administrative or entry-level experience in an office, finance, or compliance setting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, Xero) and MS Office Suite.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional Excel Skills: Must be proficient in using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Fluent in English: Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate information clearly and produce professional documentation.
• Strong Research Acumen: A demonstrable enjoyment of reading, researching, and interpreting regulatory documents and policies is critical to success in the compliance function.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous precision is paramount for both financial data entry and administrative regulatory review.
• Integrity & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to maintaining confidentiality and high ethical standards.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to prioritise workload, manage documentation efficiently, and meet strict deadlines.