Principal Bookkeeper

RPO Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable engineering company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Principal Bookkeeper / Senior Accountant. The successful candidate will oversee general accounting and payroll operations, manage a finance team, and maintain financial controls. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minimum of 5 years' relevant experience, including payroll processing and general ledger management. A competitive and negotiable salary is offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior accounting or financial accounting role.
• Strong hands-on experience with general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end close processes.
• Proven leadership experience managing accounting or finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general accounting and payroll operations, including reconciliations and month-end close processes.
• Prepare and record financial transactions, journals, and maintain the asset register.
• Lead and manage the finance team, supporting operational efficiency.

Skills

Financial accounting

Team leadership

Payroll processing

General ledger maintenance

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related finance qualification

Tools

VIP Payroll

Job description

Overview

A reputable engineering company is looking for an experienced Principal Bookkeeper / Senior Accountant with strong financial accounting, payroll, and team leadership capabilities. The role is responsible for overseeing general accounting and payroll operations, maintaining financial controls and processes, and providing limited financial support to a technical division.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general accounting and payroll operations, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and month-end close processes
• Prepare and record financial transactions, journals, trial balances, and maintain the company asset register
• Coordinate and manage payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and authorisation
• Lead and manage the finance team, supporting operational efficiency and deadline management
• Support the Financial Manager with financial analysis, reporting, and audit preparation
• Maintain finance department administration, including document control, filing systems, and financial record keeping
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to provide timely financial information and support decision-making
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and contribute to continuous process improvements

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a related finance qualification
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior accounting or financial accounting role
• Strong hands-on experience with general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end close processes
• Payroll processing experience, preferably using VIP Payroll
• Proven leadership experience managing accounting or finance teams

Benefits

• Salary: negotiable.

How to Apply

• Contact RPO Recruitment for your next career opportunity.
• Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.
• Apply for this role today, contact Jarad Pentz at RPO Recruitment or on LinkedIn.
• You can also visit the RPO Recruitment website: rporecruitment.us or email us your CV: [e-mail].

We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.