Financial Manager – Legal Sector – Cape Town

AGC Recruitment Pty Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established legal practice in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Financial Manager to oversee daily financial and HR operations. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in a legal environment, strong bookkeeping skills, and proficiency in accounting software. This full-time role offers market-related salary and requires a detail-oriented individual who can provide accurate management reporting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in bookkeeping or practice management within a legal environment.
• Strong knowledge of trust and business accounting.
• Proficient in accounting software and MS Excel.
• In-depth knowledge of SARS regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and reporting for the practice.
• Manage payroll and track staff attendance.
• Maintain employee records and ensure HR compliance.
• Prepare financial reports and liaise with external stakeholders.

Skills

Legal Bookkeeper

Human Resources

Bookkeeping

Budgeting

Legal Administration

SARS Compliance

Trust Accounting

Communication Skills

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Sage

MS Excel

Winlaw

PM Pro

Legalinteract

Job description

Introduction

Our client, a well-established and rapidly growing professional legal practice in Cape Town, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Financial ManagerwithHR & Practice Managerfunctions to oversee the practice’s daily financial, HR, and administrative operations. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who can work independently, implement and improve systems, and provide the Director with accurate, timeous management reporting.

This is a full-time, in-office position (5 days a week) reporting directly to the Director.

Key Responsibilities

Bookkeeping & Financial Management

• Full bookkeeping to trial balance, including cashbook management, reconciliations, and month-end journals.
• Process accounts payable / receivable, manage invoices, payments, and debtors.
• Maintain tight financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Manage payroll, staff attendance tracking, and commission calculations.
• Prepare and submit SARS returns (PAYE, VAT) and liaise with auditors and accountants.
• Oversee trust and business accounting in compliance with legal requirements.

HR & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee records, leave tracking, and performance metrics.
• Process travel claims and reimbursements.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, South African labour laws, and FICA regulations.
• Update and maintain Risk Management Procedures Manual.

Administration & Reporting

• Manage general office administration and operational budgets.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual financial / operational reports.
• Liaise with external stakeholders (accountants, vendors, regulatory bodies).
• Maintain asset register, insurance, and LPC fidelity fund certificate requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or practice management within a legal environment.
• Strong trust and business accounting knowledge.
• Proficient in accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage) and MS Excel.
• Experience with legal practice software (e.g., Winlaw, PM Pro / Legalinteract).
• In-depth knowledge of SARS regulations (PAYE, VAT) and FICA compliance.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High integrity and ability to handle confidential information.

Remuneration

Salary : Market-related, based on experience.

Interested?

If you meet the above requirements and are ready to play a pivotal role in a growing legal practice, apply today and help take the practice to the next level.

Brought to you by AGC Legal Recruitment

Skillset Required

• Legal Bookkeeper, Human Resources, practice manager, bookkeeping, budget, Legal Administration, SARS, Trust Account, Law Society, Business Account , legal practice counci