Director of Professional Services

Sumer Group Holdings Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Director of Professional Services to manage client relationships and oversee financial statement preparation. The role requires a strong grasp of South African accounting standards and independent review protocols. Ideal candidates will have excellent leadership and communication skills, as well as a recognized professional qualification such as SAIPA, ACCA, or SAICA. The firm values a diverse and inclusive work environment and strives to support all candidates throughout the hiring process.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial statement preparation and independent reviews.
• Strong knowledge of South African accounting standards.
• Ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary relationship partner for both SME clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare and review annual financial statements in accordance with applicable frameworks.
• Lead independent reviews and ensure compliance with standards.
• Manage and develop the team while contributing to firm strategy.

Skills

IFRS for SMEs knowledge

Financial statement preparation

Independent review capabilities

Tax knowledge for SMEs

Client relationship management

Leadership experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

Professional Accountant or Chartered Accountant with SAIPA / ACCA / SAICA

Job description

Director of Professional Services

Department: Accounting

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Johannesburg

Description

123 Consulting are a people‑first accounting and advisory firm based in Johannesburg and Somerset West. We are proud to be part of the Sumer Group, a leading accountancy practice across the UK and Ireland.

Here at 123, we believe in building long‑term relationships with clients and giving our people the chance to thrive in a supportive, professional environment that values initiative, collaboration, and integrity.

We’re seeking a forward thinking and strategic individual to join our senior leadership team as a Director of Professional Services. You’ll play a key role in managing and growing a portfolio of clients whilst ensuring the delivery of high‑quality accounting, financial reporting, and assurance‑related services. The role combines strong technical expertise with a relationship‑partner mindset, acting as a trusted advisor to clients while leading teams to deliver financial statement preparation, independent reviews, and broader professional services in compliance with applicable standards.

The Role

Client Relationship & Advisory

• Act as the primary relationship partner for a portfolio of SME clients across various industries, building trusted advisor relationships.
• Proactively identify client needs, risks, and opportunities, providing practical, value‑added advice
• Participate in client meetings, board meetings, and strategic discussions as required
• Support business development initiatives, including proposals, pitches, and onboarding of new clients

Financial Statement Preparation & Reporting

• Oversee and review the preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS for SMEs and other applicable frameworks
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting for SME clients
• Provide technical guidance on complex accounting matters
• Review management accounts and provide insights on performance, cash flow, and profitability

Independent Reviews & Assurance

• Lead and sign off independent reviews in accordance with ISRE 2400
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, ethical requirements, and regulatory obligations
• Manage review engagements from planning through to completion and reporting
• Liaise with clients to explain review findings and recommendations clearly and professionally

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and junior professional staff
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Review work performed by teams, providing constructive feedback and technical coaching
• Assist with resource planning, workflow management, and capacity optimisation

Practice Management & Governance

• Contribute to firm strategy, governance, and decision‑making at director/partner level
• Ensure compliance with SAIPA / ACCA / SAICA requirements and firm quality control policies
• Manage risk, including client acceptance, continuance, and ethical considerations
• Monitor engagement profitability, billing, and recoveries

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Strong knowledge of IFRS for SMEs and South African accounting standards
• Proven experience in financial statement preparation and conducting independent reviews (ISRE 2400)
• Sound tax knowledge relevant to SMEs (income tax, VAT, provisional tax)
• Ability to interpret and explain financial information to non‑financial stakeholders

Commercial & Relationship Skills

• Strong client‑facing and relationship management capabilities
• Commercially astute with a deep understanding of SME business environments
• Ability identify cross‑selling and value‑added service opportunities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Proven leadership experience within a professional services or accounting firm
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgement
• Results‑driven with strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively at leadership level

You’ll be a qualified Professional Accountant or Chartered Accountant with either SAIPA / ACCA / SAICA

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all.