Junior Accountant

Nxgl; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Gen Learning (NGL) is hiring a Junior Accountant to support the finance function on Xero and to serve as a helpful, professional contact for students with payment, cancellation, and deferral queries. The role is ideal for someone early in their accounting career looking to build solid bookkeeping fundamentals in a fast-moving EdTech business.

The position is hybrid, full-time, and permanent, reporting to the Finance Lead in Constantia, Cape Town.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience in a bookkeeping/accounting role.
• Working knowledge of Xero or similar cloud accounting software and willingness to learn Xero quickly.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier and other payments accurately and on time.
• Capture and code expense invoices on Xero.
• Raise and issue revenue invoices to students and partners on Xero.
• Respond to student email queries professionally, covering payments, cancellations and deferrals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Xero experience

Adaptability

Education

SAIPA/AAT/ACCA or similar qualification

Tools

Xero

Job description

We're looking for a detail-oriented Junior Accountant to support the finance function's day-to-day operations on Xero, and to be a helpful, professional point of contact for students with payment, cancellation, and deferral queries.

Position Title: Junior Accountant
Reports To: Finance Lead
Location: Constantia, Cape Town
Employment Type: Hybrid, Full-time, permanent

About NGL

Next Gen Learning (NGL) is a high-growth EdTech company delivering AI-focused executive education programmes in partnership with world-class institutions. Based in Cape Town, NGL serves a primarily US and UK market through live, faculty-led, AI-empowered online courses across verticals such as Agentic AI and AI Leadership.

NGL operates a people-intensive, live-delivery model with multiple faculty sessions per week and a growing student base across multiple entities and currencies. The finance team keeps this engine running smoothly - accurate books, timely payments, and clear communication with students are central to the company's operations.

The Opportunity

NGL is looking for a detail-oriented Junior Accountant to support the finance function's day-to-day operations on Xero, and to be a helpful, professional point of contact for students with payment, cancellation, and deferral queries. This is a hands-on role suited to someone early in their accounting career who wants to build strong bookkeeping fundamentals in a fast-moving business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Payment Processing & Accounts Payable

• Process supplier and other payments accurately and on time.
• Capture and code expense invoices on Xero.
• Ensure supporting documentation is attached and correctly filed for every transaction.

2. Revenue Invoicing

• Raise and issue revenue (sales) invoices to students and partners on Xero.
• Ensure invoices are accurate, correctly coded, and issued in a timely manner.
• Follow up on outstanding invoices in coordination with the wider finance team.
• Perform regular bank reconciliations on Xero, ensuring all transactions are matched.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records in line with company policy.
• Flag unusual transactions or errors to the Finance Lead.

4. Student Query Management

• Respond to student email queries in a timely, professional, and empathetic manner, covering:
  • Payment queries (outstanding balances, payment plans, receipts)
  • Course/programme cancellations
  • Deferral requests and processing
• Liaise with internal teams (e.g. Student Support, Sales) to resolve queries requiring cross-functional input.
• Maintain accurate records of student communications and outcomes.
• Escalate complex or sensitive cases to senior staff where appropriate.

5. General Support

• Support month-end and ad hoc financial reporting as required.
• Assist with audits and provide documentation as needed.
• Look for ways to improve financial processes and efficiency.

Requirements

Must Have

• Relevant qualification in Accounting, Finance, or Bookkeeping (e.g. SAIPA, AAT, ACCA).
• 2-3 years' experience in a similar bookkeeping/accounting role.
• Working knowledge of Xero, or strong experience with similar cloud accounting software and a willingness to learn Xero quickly.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Calm under pressure and highly adaptable to change.
• Excellent written communication skills, particularly for handling sensitive or difficult student queries.

Highly Desirable

• Experience in a customer-facing or client query-handling role.
• Experience in EdTech, SaaS, or a subscription/course-based business.
• Comfort working across multiple currencies or entities.

Personal Attributes

• Organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Discreet and professional when handling confidential financial and student information.
• A proactive problem-solver, comfortable escalating issues when needed.
• Calm and empathetic when dealing with students navigating difficult decisions like cancellations or deferrals.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timeliness and accuracy of bank reconciliations (e.g. completed weekly/monthly with no unresolved items older than an agreed threshold).
• Invoice processing turnaround time.
• Student query response time (e.g. within 24-48 hours) and resolution rate.
• Error rate on captured transactions.