Financial Accountant (12-Month Contract) — Arts Sector

Cape Town Opera; 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 on a 12-month contract in Cape Town. The role anchors transactional and reporting activity, including bookkeeping, management accounts, and audit coordination.

The successful candidate will bring formal accounting depth, experience with Xero, and a strong grasp of SA tax and PBO/NPO reporting, supporting budgeting, donor reporting and financial controls across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Formal accounting qualification or degree with strong equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in a similar role.
• Experience with Xero and cloud accounting platforms.
• Knowledge of SA tax and PBO/NPO regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Full-function bookkeeping and transaction processing in Xero.
• Monthly management accounts, variance analysis and reporting to Head of Finance and CEO.
• Coordinate annual external audit.
• Statutory compliance across VAT, PAYE, SDL, UIF, WCA and PBO/NPO reporting.
• Payroll processing and salary administration in coordination with HR.
• Cash flow management, forecasting and daily banking oversight.
• Support budgeting and re-forecasting cycles.
• Grant and donor accounting and reporting to funders.
• Financial administration of contracts.
• Financial controls and process improvements.
• Liaison with auditors and bankers.
• Prepare Board and Finance Committee packs.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Financial reporting

Payroll processing

Xero

Tax knowledge

Detail-oriented

Independence

Education

SAICA/SAIPA/ACCA/CIMA or Accounting degree

Tools

Xero

Job description

Cape Town Opera is seeking a Financial Accountant to strengthen the finance function on a 12-month contract in Cape Town. The role anchors transactional and reporting activity, including bookkeeping, management accounts, and audit coordination.

The successful candidate will bring formal accounting depth, experience with Xero, and a strong grasp of SA tax and PBO/NPO reporting, supporting budgeting, donor reporting and financial controls across the organisation.