Senior Accountant

DataFin Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A finance recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Accountant based in Cape Town. The role involves managing accounting operations, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with South African regulations. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, 5-8 years of relevant experience, and strong skills in Xero and financial compliance. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional analytical and organizational skills to support business decision-making.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in group-structure accounting or finance.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and South African tax regulations.
• Proven experience with audit processes and management reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and business reports.
• Coordinate audits and assist in finalizing financial statements.
• Manage revenue billings and ensure accurate revenue posting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Negotiation abilities

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Xero

SARS eFiling

Advanced Excel

Job description

OVERVIEW

The Senior Accountant is responsible for managing the full accounting operations for development entities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust controls, and statutory compliance. The role serves as a key support to senior leadership, providing high-quality analysis and insights to inform business decision‑making. The position is based in Cape Town.

DUTIES

• Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analyses, and business reports.
• Process monthly journals, reconcile intercompany accounts, and review trial balances.
• Oversee payment processing, supplier payments, beneficiary setups, and cash‑flow optimization across entities.
• Manage revenue billings, schedules, and ensure accurate revenue posting.
• Prepare and submit monthly VAT returns and maintain SARS eFiling profiles.
• Coordinate audits, prepare audit packs, address queries, and assist in finalizing financial statements.
• Administer accounting systems (Xero), manage user access for banking platforms, and ensure data integrity.
• Support entity management, unit transfer schedules, and assist with group‑wide financial initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent.
• 5–8 years of experience in group‑structure accounting or finance.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, South African tax regulations, and financial compliance.
• Proficiency in Xero, SARS eFiling, online banking platforms, and advanced Excel.
• Proven experience with audit processes and management reporting.

ATTRIBUTES

• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical thinking.
• High work standards with a strong ownership mindset.
• Technical proficiency and commitment to continuous learning.
• Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making, and negotiation abilities.
• Collaborative team player with a customer‑centric approach.
• Ability to manage conflict and build strong relationships across teams.