Junior Accountant

RecruitAGraduate; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical organisation is seeking a Junior Accountant to ensure financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a BCom in Accounting, 3-5 years experience in a related field, and be proficient with Pastel Accounting. Responsibilities include cash management, accounts payable/receivable, month-end reporting, and inventory management. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years' relevant experience, preferably in retail, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry.
• Familiarity with pharmacy systems and medical aid claim processes is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Create and update spreadsheets of daily sales.
• Manage accounts receivables and payables.
• Perform month-end cut-off procedures.
• Maintain and update the Fixed Assets Register.

Skills

Experience with Pastel Accounting

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Knowledge of VAT legislation

Attention to detail

Education

BCom in Accounting

Relevant certifications (CPA, ACCA)

Tools

Pastel Accounting Software

Job description

Job Description
A leading pharmaceutical organisation seeks to employ a Junior Accountant to join their team. This role is hands-on and critical to maintaining financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in a pharmacy environment.

Responsibilities:

Daily Operations & Cash Management:

• Create and update spreadsheets of daily sales.
• Reconcile daily cash deposits with cash sales.
• Investigate variances in daily cash-up reports.
• Conduct daily verifications of till floats.
• Perform daily and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Collate payments for authorisation.
• Manage petty cash including reconciliations and replenishments.

Accounts Receivable (Debtors):

• Manage accounts receivables: debtors management, collection, and reconciliations.
• Conduct daily reconciliations for medical aid claims.
• Capture all claims and receipts on Pastel.
• Follow up on outstanding medical aid claims.

Accounts Payable (Creditors):

• Manage accounts payables and ensure suppliers are paid within agreed terms.
• Manage branch procurement for stock, consumables, and services.
• Ensure all inter-branch transfers are correctly executed and recorded.
• Control purchases and perform stock reconciliations with GRNs.

General Ledger & Transaction Processing:

• Capture daily transactions in Pastel to correct ledger accounts.
• Prepare bank deposits and post to the general ledger.
• Update, verify, and maintain accounting journals and financial records.
• Maintain a systematic and accurate filing system for accounting documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timeous capturing of transactions.

Month-End & Reporting:

• Perform month-end cut-off procedures: debtors/creditors reconciliations, cash counts, and stock verification.
• Ensure all branches run and print month-end reports at the close of business on the last day of the month.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Assist in preparation of draft monthly management accounts.
• Produce accurate daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports.
• Report on financial projections including liquidity and cash flow.

Asset & Inventory Management:

• Maintain and update the Fixed Assets Register: ensure proper tagging, recording, and depreciation.
• Lead quarterly stock takes and investigate any variances.
• Support procurement and inventory control processes.

Budgeting & Compliance:

• Assist in budget preparation and monitoring.
• Ensure financial operations comply with local laws, tax regulations, and internal policies.

System & Administrative Duties:

• Understand the pharmacy POS and stock programme, and extract reports when required.
• Perform general administrative and clerical duties as required.
• Take on additional finance-related responsibilities as assigned by the Finance Manager.

Requirements

• BCom in Accounting / Bachelors' degree in accounting
• Minimum of 3-5 years' relevant experience, preferably in retail, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry
• Relevant certifications like CPA or ACCA etc. will be advantageous.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent
• Experience with Pastel Accounting is essential
• Familiarity with pharmacy systems and medical aid claim processes is an advantage
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software
• Knowledge of VAT legislation and local tax compliance