Financial Accountant

Cognia Law; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Cape Town is seeking an Accountant to manage daily financial operations, including accounting, invoicing, and payroll. The ideal candidate will have a University Degree in Accounting, 2-3 years of relevant experience, and strong proficiency in Excel and accounting software. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, contributing to the financial health of the firm.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in English.
• Experience with UK accounting, tax, VAT, and payroll is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily accounting, invoicing, debtor management, and payroll administration.
• Compile monthly balance sheet reconciliations and maintain financial lease data.
• Prepare monthly management reports and assist with financial year-end audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reconciliation skills

Technical financial knowledge

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

High computer literacy

Advanced Excel skills

Education

University Degree in Accounting

Tools

Xero

SimplePay

Job description

Company Profile

Cognia seamlessly extends the legal capabilities of corporates, banks, and law firms to deliver sustainable outcomes. Our goal is to connect the legal sector, transforming it from a siloed approach to integrated partnerships. We assist in-house legal teams by simplifying complex matters and replacing broken procedures with efficient processes.

Cognia is a Chambers-ranked law firm that integrates the provision of legal services to enable our team, partners, clients, and communities to thrive together, with people at the heart of what we do. We promote an inclusive work environment where our people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work and are supported to realize their full potential.

For more information, please visit www.cognialaw.com

Role Purpose

To deliver timely and accurate daily accounting, invoicing, debtor management, payroll administration, and reporting of monthly management accounts.

Role Responsibilities

1. Ensure all transactions comply with Group accounting policies and adopted financial reporting standards.
2. Compile monthly balance sheet reconciliations, maintain financial lease data, and support the Finance Manager on financial projects.
3. Maintain fixed asset registers, manage sundry debtors, bank & cash, loans, etc.
4. Reconcile floats/petty cash and follow up on related queries.
5. Prepare monthly payroll schedules, reconciliations, and payments.
6. Prepare monthly management reports (balance sheets & income statements) and related schedules.
7. Assist in preparing presentations and reports for directors and shareholders’ meetings.
8. Ensure quality control and integrity of all financial transactions, compliance, and reporting.
9. Assist with financial year-end audits for UK and SA entities.
10. Investigate and implement technological or AI solutions to enhance finance operations and broader business processes.

Minimum Requirements

1. A University Degree in Accounting.
2. 2-3 years of relevant experience.
3. Proficiency in English.
4. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
5. High computer literacy with a focus on leveraging technology.
6. Advanced Excel skills (mandatory).
7. Knowledge and experience with Xero and SimplePay are highly advantageous.
8. Experience with UK accounting, tax, VAT, and payroll is highly advantageous.
9. Excellent reconciliation skills and technical financial knowledge.
10. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
11. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.