Finance Lead

Personastaff; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 550 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic company in finance and accounting is seeking a Finance Lead in Cape Town, South Africa. This role involves overseeing core financial operations, ensuring statutory compliance, and leading the finance team. The ideal candidate should have advanced skills in QuickBooks and Excel, along with a relevant finance degree and 5–7 years of full-cycle finance experience. The position emphasizes collaboration and excellence, with responsibilities also including audit coordination and payroll management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in full-cycle finance and payroll administration.
• Must hold a relevant finance or accounting degree.

Responsibilities

• Oversee statutory compliance by preparing and submitting returns accurately.
• Lead month-end close processes and coordinate annual audits.
• Manage the complete payroll process, including statutory filings.

Skills

Advanced skills in QuickBooks

Advanced skills in Excel

Understanding of VAT

Deep understanding of South African payroll regulations

Experience in full-cycle finance

Education

Relevant finance or accounting degree

Matric

Tools

Payroll software

QuickBooks

Job description

Our client, a dynamic and forward‑thinking company committed to redefining sustainable urban development and protecting conservation and heritage spaces in the Durbanville area. With a growing portfolio of residential properties and diverse revenue streams, they are building a team that thrives on precision, collaboration, and excellence.

They are seeking a Finance Lead to oversee and execute the company’s core financial operations. This is a senior, hands‑on role for an individual who thrives in both leadership and execution — acting as a “player‑coach” within the finance department.

Responsibilities

• Statutory Compliance: Prepare and submit VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other statutory returns accurately and on time.
• Tax Management: Execute VAT apportionment calculations, prepare Income and Provisional Tax documentation, and assist in audit preparation.
• Audit & Month‑End: Lead month‑end close processes and coordinate the annual audit by preparing all schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Team Oversight: Coordinate the daily, weekly, and monthly deliverables of the finance and payroll administrators, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Technical Support: Serve as the go‑to technical expert on QuickBooks, payroll software, and complex reconciliations.
• Quality Control: Review and verify bank reconciliations, tenant deposit accounts, payment runs, and journals before management sign‑off.
• Payroll Management: Oversee the complete payroll process — including statutory filings, leave management, and payslip distribution.

Supporting Responsibilities

• Collections & Accounts Payable Oversight: Drive debtor collections and monitor supplier payments to maintain smooth cash flow.
• Training & Development: Onboard and train new team members on financial systems, controls, and processes.
• Process Improvement: Continuously identify and implement improvements to workflows and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Requirements

• Education & Experience: Matric and a relevant finance or accounting degree (essential).
  Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in full‑cycle finance and payroll administration.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in QuickBooks, Excel, and payroll software.
  Deep understanding of VAT, accounting principles, and South African payroll regulations.

To apply, please send your CV to [e-mail]. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive feedback within 48 hours, please accept your application as unsuccessful.

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