Senior Accountant -

Empower Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Johannesburg is looking for a detail-oriented Senior Accountant with an operational focus. The role involves managing financial records, overseeing accounts payable and receivable, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates must be qualified accountants with 3-5 years of relevant experience. This position offers competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a similar operational finance role.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and management reporting.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Accounts Payable and Receivable.
• Manage payroll processing and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly management accounts.

Skills

Financial Operations

Analytical skills

Transactional Accounting

Education

Qualified or Part-Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title : Senior Accountant – Operational Focus

Location : Johannesburg

Job Type : Full-time

Reporting To : Finance Director (FD)

Salary : Competitive, based on experience

About the Role :

We are seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Senior Accountant with a strong operational focus to join our growing team. This role is critical to the smooth financial functioning of the business, with day-to-day responsibility for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial operations.

You will play a key role in managing financial records, driving process improvements, and providing insightful financial data to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities :

• Financial Operations & Transactional Accounting
• Maintain accurate General Ledger entries for all financial transactions.
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Receivable, ensuring timely payments and collections.
• Manage payroll processing, including calculations, deductions, and reporting.
• Perform regular bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy of financial data.
• Financial Reporting & Operational Analysis
• Lead month-end and year-end closing activities including journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly management accounts : P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Conduct project / job costing and cost variance analysis for materials, labour, and overhead.
• Maintain and update fixed asset registers, including depreciation schedules.
• Provide clear variance reports and explanations for operational over / underspend.
• Compliance & Internal Controls
• Prepare and submit statutory tax filings (e.g., VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax).
• Implement and maintain internal financial controls as defined by the FD / CEO.
• Support internal and external audits with timely and accurate documentation.
• Cash Flow & Liquidity Management
• Monitor daily cash flow and assist in weekly / monthly cash forecasting.
• Ensure availability of funds for day-to-day operations and planned expenditures.
• Systems & Process Improvement
• Use accounting and ERP systems efficiently and suggest areas for automation.
• Streamline accounting processes to improve speed, accuracy, and compliance.
• Maintain thorough documentation of financial processes and workflows.
• Team Support & Cross-functional Collaboration
• Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff or bookkeepers, if applicable.
• Collaborate with operational teams (e.g., production, sales) to deliver relevant financial insights and support.

Experience

Qualified or Part-Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).

Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a similar operational finance role.

Strong understanding of cost accounting, project / job costing, and management reporting.

Proficient in accounting software and ERP systems.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with changing priorities.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your work makes a direct impact.

Gain exposure to both operational and strategic aspects of finance.

Opportunity to implement improvements and drive efficiency across financial operations.

Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Interested candidates are highly encouraged to apply before 4th August 2025.