Junior Accounting Manager

SMTAX; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital accounting firm in Cape Town is seeking a Junior Accounting Manager to oversee daily operations, manage client portfolios, and ensure financial data integrity. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of experience in accounting roles, is committed to ethical standards, and possesses exceptional leadership skills. This role offers an opportunity to mentor staff and build long-term client relationships. Interested candidates should apply by November 15, 2025.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in accounting roles, focusing on client communication and team management.
• Thorough understanding and experience in accounting, auditing, VAT, and tax.
• Proficiency in digital accounting tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily bookkeeping and accounting operations.
• Mentor and train staff to enhance their skills.
• Maintain regular, professional communication with clients.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Conduct financial data reconciliations and validations.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA, AGSA, SAIBA, SAIPA)

Tools

Xero

Hubdoc

SimplePay

Job description

SMTAX City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Junior Accounting Manager

Job Specification: Junior Accounting Manager

Location: Century City, Cape Town, South Africa

Company: SMTAX, a Digital Bookkeeping and Accounting Expert

About SMTAX: SMTAX is a forward‑thinking digital accounting and tax firm headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. We specialise in providing comprehensive financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, leveraging cutting‑edge digital tools to streamline processes and deliver exceptional accounting services.

Position Summary: We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented Junior Accounting Manager to oversee the daily operations of our bookkeepers and accountants. The ideal candidate will ensure seamless execution of bookkeeping and financial reporting, as well as internal reviews and audit activities, maintaining high standards of financial data integrity, and fostering collaborative team dynamics. This role requires exceptional leadership, multitasking, and communication skills to support our team and ensure top‑notch service delivery to our clients.

A career within SMTAX will provide the opportunity to help private companies and similar entities with a range of business needs such as financial accounting, audit, reviews, compilation, tax compliance, and planning to help them focus on business strategy. As a Junior Accounting Manager, you will work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. You will manage a portfolio of clients consisting of individuals, trusts, and companies, and manage the relevant staff on these assignments.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management of Bookkeeping and Accounting Teams:

• Manage daily bookkeeping and accounting operations, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Oversee the work of intermediate bookkeepers, accountants, and junior trainees, providing guidance and support.
• Ensure the consistent application of digital tools (e.g., Xero, Hubdoc, Simple Pay) for bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
• Manage a portfolio of clients.
• Manage and review the work of staff.
• Interact with clients and staff.
• Conduct tax planning and calculations.
• Plan work and staff allocations.

Coaching and Training:

• Mentor and train staff to enhance their skills.
• Conduct performance appraisals for staff.
• Propose new work opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal risk management procedures.

Financial Data Integrity and Internal Audit:

• Ensure financial data integrity by conducting regular reconciliations and validations.
• Collaborate with the internal audit team to verify the accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Implement corrective actions to resolve discrepancies identified during audits.

Client Communication and Relationship Management:

• Maintain regular, clear, and professional communication with clients, providing updates on their financial status.
• Build and nurture long‑term relationships of trust with clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
• Proactively address client inquiries and needs, advocating for their requirements within the team.

Compliance and Standards:

• Ensure all bookkeeping, accounting activities, and tax submissions comply with relevant regulations and standards, including IFRS.
• Stay updated on changes in regulations and standards that impact financial processes.
• Assist in filing company CIPC annual returns, VAT administration, payroll tax submissions, and provisional tax returns.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Mentor and develop team members, enhancing their skills and ensuring effective contributions to the team.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, promoting alignment and synergy in service delivery.
• Facilitate onboarding and training for new clients and accounting trainees, ensuring smooth integration into our digital systems.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA, AGSA, SAIBA, SAIPA) is mandatory.

Experience:

• 4+ years of experience in accounting roles, with a focus on client communication and team management.
• Thorough understanding and working experience in accounting, reviews, auditing, IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, VAT, and tax.
• Proven experience in managing financial data integrity and conducting internal and/or external audits.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in using digital accounting tools and software (e.g., Xero, Hubdoc, SimplePay).
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and standards, including IFRS.
• Ability to quickly adapt to and leverage new digital tools for bookkeeping and financial analysis.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong client relationships and foster team collaboration.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, maintaining high attention to detail and accuracy.

Personal Attributes:

• Committed to maintaining high ethical standards and confidentiality.
• Proactive, innovative, and eager to enhance financial processes and team performance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team, demonstrating leadership in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Qualities:

• Proactiveness: Develop and implement strategies to support clients and prevent issues from escalating, ensuring timely task completion and client satisfaction.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive work environment and building lasting client relationships.
• Leadership: Lead by example, address and elevate team issues as necessary, and maintain positive relations with all staff members. Encourage teamwork and gather unbiased feedback to improve collaboration.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates can submit their resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to [e-mail] by 15 November 2025.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries

• Accounting