Operational Accountant

Sentinel Staffing Services; Germiston; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organization is seeking a mid-level Operational Accountant in Germiston. This role is ideal for candidates with an Accounting Degree and completed articles, offering strong growth and cross-functional involvement in finance. Key responsibilities include overseeing Accounts Payable, conducting financial reviews, and ensuring compliance with Tax regulations. The position is office-based, requiring excellent analytical and communication skills. Interested applicants should have 2–3 years of accounting experience and reside in the local area.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of accounting experience post-articles.
• Audit background is highly advantageous.
• Experience in a retail finance environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational Accounts Payable and support Accounts Receivable.
• Conduct reviews and approvals of financial transactions.
• Prepare financial reports and statements.
• Ensure compliance with Tax, VAT, and SARS requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel skills

Communication skills

Accounting systems proficiency

Initiative

Education

Accounting Degree

Completed SAICA / SAIPA / SAIBA articles

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

A well-established organisation is urgently seeking a mid-level Operational Accountant due to an upcoming vacancy on 31 January. The goal is to secure a candidate quickly to allow for a proper handover period.

This role is ideal for someone who has completed articles and has 2–3 years post-articles experience, particularly those with audit exposure looking for the next step in their career. The position offers strong growth, learning, and cross‑functional involvement across the finance department.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Completed Accounting Degree.
• Completed SAICA / SAIPA / SAIBA articles.
• 2–3 years of accounting experience post‑articles.
• Audit background is highly advantageous.
• Experience in a retail finance environment is beneficial.
• Strong proficiency in multiple accounting systems (Microsoft Dynamics is an advantage).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑starter with strong ownership, initiative, accuracy, and organisational capability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee operational Accounts Payable and support Accounts Receivable when needed.
• Conduct first‑line reviews and approvals of financial transactions, ensuring correct VAT treatment and accurate account allocation.
• Review creditors reconciliations and act as the escalation point for creditor issues.
• Review VAT reconciliations and submit monthly VAT returns.
• Maintain and manage the Fixed Asset Register, asset accounting, and cost analysis.
• Prepare regular and ad‑hoc financial reports and statements.
• Perform accounting calculations, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct financial reviews, variance analysis, and suggest improvements.
• Ensure compliance with Tax, VAT, and SARS requirements.
• Assist with journal processing, cost‑centre accounting, and routine finance activities.
• Participate in stock takes across the group.
• Support and maintain financial controls within the retail segment.
• Assist with internal and external audits.
• Contribute to ad‑hoc financial projects, including system implementations and group‑wide initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Based in Germiston (Raceway Industrial Park).
• Office‑based: Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30.
• Occasional travel to retail stores (own vehicle required).

OUR CULTURE

We value ambitious, confident self‑staters who take initiative, work well independently, and collaborate seamlessly in a lean, high‑performance team. We are hands‑on, solution‑driven, and committed to continuous improvement.