Head of Accounting

KingsleyIrons Recruitment Services CC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment services firm in Cape Town seeks a Head of Accounting to lead a dynamic team. The role involves overseeing accounting workflows, managing client engagements, and ensuring compliance with financial reporting standards. Candidates must be a Chartered Accountant or Professional Accountant with extensive experience in accounting practice. Strong client service skills and proficiency in accounting software are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ experience in accounting, with 2–3 years in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of South African accounting and tax laws.
• Experience in client engagement and providing professional advice.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
• Lead client meetings and provide accounting advice.
• Oversee management accounts and financial statements.

Skills

Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))

Client service skills

Advanced Excel skills

Proficiency in accounting software

Education

Registered with SAICA or SAIPA

Tools

Pastel

QuickBooks

Sage

SimplePay

GreatSoft

Job description

Description/Synopsis

Our Client is seeking a seasoned accounting professional to lead their dynamic team in Century City. As Head of Accounting, you’ll oversee accounting workflows, manage a talented team, lead client engagements, and provide expert business and tax advice. This is a hands-on leadership role with the opportunity to shape financial reporting and compliance for a diverse client base, including individuals, companies, and trusts.

Minimum Requirements

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or Professional Accountant (SA) with SAIPA designation; registered with SAICA or SAIPA.
• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience, including 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role within an accounting practice (non-negotiable).
• Strong knowledge of accounting and tax laws in South Africa, including companies, individuals, and trusts. Skilled in financial statement preparation, reconciliations, and IFRS/GAAP reporting standards.
• Experienced in client service and able to provide practical, professional advice in a personable manner.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in accounting and payroll software such as Pastel, QuickBooks, Sage, and SimplePay. Familiarity with GreatSoft is an advantage but not essential.

Main Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals. Manage workflow, training, and performance reviews.
• Client Engagement: Lead client meetings, provide business-focused accounting advice, and act as the primary accounting contact for assigned clients.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Oversee and review management accounts, annual financial statements (AFS), budgets, and cash flow forecasts in line with IFRS for SMEs.
• Bookkeeping Oversight: Ensure accurate and timely bank transaction capture, reconciliations, VAT submissions, and maintenance of accounting records.
• Tax Administration: Manage income tax and provisional tax returns for individuals and companies. Oversee trust tax filings and advise on tax structuring and compliance.
• Special Matters: Support deceased estate accounting and related tax issues, where applicable.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards in financial deliverables, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with SARS, external auditors, legal advisors, and other relevant stakeholders.