Financial Accountant

Cape Town Opera Company; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Town Opera is seeking a Financial Accountant to strengthen the finance function alongside the Head of Finance. You will anchor the transactional and reporting work, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and timely financial information for governance and planning.

You will manage monthly accounts, assist with the external audit, VAT and payroll processes, and support budgeting and donor reporting in a non-profit arts environment.

Qualifications

• Formal accounting qualification as listed or an equivalent relevant degree.
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in a similar role.
• Xero proficiency or willingness to move to Xero.
• Strong knowledge of SA tax and PBO/NPO regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Full-function bookkeeping and transaction processing across Xero.
• Monthly management accounts, variance analysis and reporting to Head of Finance and CEO.
• Preparation and coordination of the annual external audit.
• VAT, PAYE, SDL, UIF, WCA and other tax/regulatory compliance.
• Payroll processing and salary administration in coordination with HR.
• Cash flow management, forecasting and daily banking oversight.
• Support budgeting, re-forecasting and donor reporting.
• Finance contracts administration and process improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independence

Communication

Integrity

Education

SAIPA/SAICA/ACCA/CIMA or Bachelor’s in Accounting

Tools

Xero

Job description

Company: Cape Town Opera
Reporting to: Head of Finance
Location: Cape Town
Employment type:12-month contract
Application closing date: 18 September 2026
Remuneration: R420 000 – R540 000, based on experience

About Cape Town Opera

Cape Town Opera is one of South Africa’s largest full-time performing arts institutions and the country’s only permanently active opera company. A non-profit company and registered Public Benefit Organisation, it presents a vibrant annual programme of opera, musicians and concerts at home and abroad, while expanding access through its Opera for All programme. Cape Town Opera is committed to safeguarding opera and the theatrical ecosystem as part of South Africa’s cultural heritage, nurturing exceptional young singers and sustaining the many artists, technicians and craftspeople who bring theatre to life.

Purpose of the role

This is an opportune moment to strengthen the finance function. Cape Town Opera’s operations are expanding in scope and complexity and the Head of Finance is looking to appoint a strong Financial Accountant to work alongside her in managing the day-to-day financial life of the Company. The successful candidate will bring formal accounting depth to complement the Head of Finance’s institutional knowledge and will be the anchor of the transactional and reporting side of the finance operation.

Key responsibilities

• Full-function bookkeeping and transaction processing across the Company’s accounting systems (Xero).
• Monthly management accounts, variance analysis and reporting to the Head of Finance
  and CEO.
• Preparation and coordination of the annual external audit.
• Statutory compliance across VAT, PAYE, SDL, UIF, WCA and other tax and regulatory obligations, including PBO and NPO reporting requirements.
• Payroll processing and salary administration (in coordination with HR).
• Cash flow management, forecasting and daily banking oversight.
• Support to the Head of Finance in annual budget preparation and re-forecasting cycles.
• Grant and donor accounting and reporting to funders.
• Financial administration of operational contracts.
• Financial controls and process improvement — identifying and implementing opportunities to sharpen the Company’s financial disciplines.
• Liaison with external service providers, including auditors and bankers.
• Support to the Head of Finance in the preparation of Board and Finance Committee packs.

Other Duties

• Attend relevant staff meetings, rehearsals, performances and other functions as required, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive and resilient team culture that can absorb the pressures of a high-performance arts environment without losing its sense of humour.
• Perform other finance-related duties as reasonably required by the Head of Finance or the CEO.

Qualifications and experience

• Formal accounting qualification: SAIPA, SAICA (Associate or qualified), ACCA, or CIMA — or a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with strong equivalent qualification and experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in a similar role.
• Xero proficiency (or equivalent cloud accounting platform with willingness to move to Xero).
• Sound working knowledge of South African tax and PBO/NPO regulatory framework.

Additional requirements:

• Ability and willingness to work long hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, as required.
• A valid SA driver’s licence and own transport to and from work.
• Clear criminal and credit record.
• Must be legally able to work in South Africa.

Skills and attributes we’re looking for

• A high level of technical accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently and manage a full accounting workload without close supervision.
• Integrity, confidentiality and a strong sense of stewardship — this is a non-profit; every rand belongs to the mission.
• Clear, plain-language written and verbal communication — able to translate financial detail for non-finance colleagues on the Board and in the artistic team.
• Systems-oriented — instinctively looks for opportunities to improve process and reduce risk.
• A genuine interest in the arts, culture and Cape Town Opera’s mission is a meaningful plus, though not required.

Cape Town Opera celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Cape Town Opera reserves the right not to make an appointment.