Junior Bookkeeper

Kontak Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency based in Johannesburg is looking for a Junior Bookkeeper to manage bookkeeping to Trial Balance and ensure payroll processing meets compliance demands. The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years of bookkeeping experience, adept in Xero, Sage, and Pastel, and excel in accuracy and attention to detail. This position offers a salary range of R12 000 – R15 000 CTC per month.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years' bookkeeping and payroll experience, essential to understand accounting firm/client portfolio.
• Proven ability to complete bookkeeping to Trial Balance accurately.
• Experience with VAT legislation and correct VAT processing.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records up to Trial Balance.
• Reconcile accounts, including debtors, creditors, and bank.
• Provide clients with professional support and guidance on financial queries.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Payroll processing

Xero

Sage Online Accounting

Pastel

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Tools

Xero

Sage Online Payroll

Pastel Payroll

SimplePay

Job description

Junior Bookkeeper position available in Johannesburg.

Maintain accurate bookkeeping to Trial Balance while managing payroll processing and VAT compliance across multiple systems. Use Xero, Sage, and Pastel to deliver efficient financial services while building strong client relationships in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment

Salary: R12 000 – R15 000 CTC per month.

Minimum Requirements:

• 1–2 years’ bookkeeping and payroll experience (accounting firm/client portfolio exposure essential, with processing for more than one company).
• Strong working knowledge of Xero, Sage Online Accounting, Pastel, Sage Online Payroll, and SimplePay.
• Proven ability to complete bookkeeping to Trial Balance and perform reconciliations accurately.
• Experience with payroll processing and SARS submissions (EMP201, EMP501, UIF, SDL, ETI).
• Thorough understanding of VAT legislation and correct VAT processing.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and quality standards.
• Ability to manage workload independently without constant oversight.
• Tech-savvy with a willingness to embrace new technologies and AI.
• Excellent communication skills and the maturity to maintain professional client boundaries.
• Proactive, innovative problem solver who can improve processes and think independently

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping records up to Trial Balance.
• Process supplier invoices, customer invoices, bank statements, and journals.
• Reconcile accounts, including debtors, creditors, bank, and petty cash.
• Prepare and process VAT returns and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Manage payroll processing using Sage Online Payroll, Pastel Payroll, and/or SimplePay.
• Handle SARS submissions including EMP201, EMP501, UIF, SDL, and ETI.
• Provide clients with professional support and guidance on financial queries.
• Ensure timely reporting and maintain high standards of accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and adopt new technologies.
• Collaborate with colleagues and clients to build strong working relationships.