Group Accountant - International

Watchmaker Genomics, Inc.; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Watchmaker Genomics is hiring a Group Accountant - International to manage AP/AR, cashbook, fixed assets, and month-end processes from Cape Town (hybrid remote).

The role supports internal controls, VAT compliance, and cross-border transactions within a fast-paced finance team. A 3-year degree and 3–5 years’ experience are required; SAIPA or similar designation is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in accounts payable, receivable, and cashbook.
• Experience with multi-currency and cross-border transactions desirable.
• Exposure to US-headquartered or multinational groups advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable: process invoices, ensure VAT treatment, reconcile statements.
• Accounts Receivable: raise invoices, allocate receipts, drive collections.
• Cashbook & Bank Reconciliation: maintain cashbook across banks and currencies, reconcile banks, process card/expense claims.
• Fixed Assets: additions, disposals, transfers, capitalization, asset register maintenance.
• Controls, Compliance & Audit Support: apply internal controls, support VAT/audit requests.
• Continuous Improvement & Projects: identify automation opportunities, contribute to ERP/workflow projects, keep SOPs up to date.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Remote work adaptability

Education

Degree or diploma in Accounting/Finance

SAIPA or equivalent beneficial

Tools

Excel

ERP / accounting system

Job description

Position: Group Accountant - International

Position Type: Fulltime

Department: Finance

Location: Saltriver, Cape Town (Remote and Onsite)

Experience: A 3-year degree in Accounting or Finance and 3-5 years' experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets and cashbook.

Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado, with operations in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time Accountant position based in Cape Town, South Africa.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process supplier invoices accurately and on time, ensuring correct coding, approval, and VAT treatment
• Prepare supplier payment runs and reconcile supplier statements to the accounts payable ledger monthly
• Maintain the creditors age analysis and follow up on long-outstanding items
• Resolve supplier queries and act as the day-to-day contact for creditors
• Work closely with Procurement to ensure expenses are correctly classified and to resolve invoice and purchasing queries

Accounts Receivable

• Raise and issue customer invoices and credit notes
• Allocate receipts accurately and maintain the debtors age analysis
• Drive collections, follow up on overdue accounts, and elevate where necessary
• Resolve billing discrepancies and customer queries

Cashbook & Bank Reconciliation

• Maintain the cashbook across all bank accounts and currencies
• Prepare daily and monthly bank reconciliations and clear unreconciled items promptly
• Process and reconcile company credit cards and employee expense claims

Fixed Assets

• Process fixed asset additions, disposals, and transfers, ensuring correct capitalization, approval, and VAT treatment
• Record and maintain the fixed asset register, reconciling it to the general ledger monthly

Controls, Compliance & Audit Support

• Apply internal controls across the payables, receivables, and cash cycles and elevate exceptions
• Maintain complete and accurate supporting documentation for review and audit purposes
• Prepare payables, receivables, and cash schedules for month-end, year-end, and statutory audit requests
• Support VAT and other statutory submissions with accurate transactional data

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Identify opportunities to simplify and automate payables, receivables, and cashbook processes
• Contribute to finance system and process improvement projects (e.g. ERP, workflow automation)
• Keep process documentation and standard operating procedures up to date

Skills And Requirements

• Solid working knowledge of accounting principles and the full transactional accounting cycle
• Strong attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy in transactional processing
• Ability to manage high volumes, competing priorities, and tight month-end deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Self-motivated and accountable, with the ability to work effectively both independently and remotely
• Practical problem-solver who investigates reconciliation differences through to root cause
• Proficiency in Excel and experience on an ERP or accounting system
• Working knowledge of:
  • South African VAT and SARS eFiling requirements
  • Multi-currency transaction processing

Education And Experience

• Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Professional designation (e.g. SAIPA), or demonstrable progress towards one, is beneficial
• 3-5 years' experience in an accounting role with hands-on accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cashbook responsibility
• Exposure to multi-currency and cross-border transactions is desirable
• Experience in a US-headquartered or multinational group is advantageous
• Experience within manufacturing environment preferred

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics

SOUTH AFRICA - WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if they are currently eligible to work in South Africa. South African citizens are preferred.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.