Senior Accountant

Protea Placements; Knysna; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

Protea Placements is seeking a Senior Accountant for our Knysna-based finance team. The candidate will oversee general ledger, monthly closes, and ensure compliance with IFRS, GAAP, and SA tax requirements while supporting strategic financial decisions.

The role requires 5–8 years of accounting experience, a relevant degree, and professional qualifications; advanced Excel and ERP software experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CA(SA), CIMA, or SAIPA qualifications are advantageous.
• 5–8 years of accounting experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a senior accounting or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, GAAP and SA statutory requirements.
• Experience with VAT, PAYE, SARS submissions and tax compliance.
• Payroll accounting, fixed asset management, and cash flow experience.
• Advanced MS Excel skills for reporting and analyses.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
• Own transport and valid driver's license advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain accurate general ledger records and supporting schedules
• Review accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes
• Prepare financial statements and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Review balance sheet and income statement reconciliations
• Ensure IFRS, GAAP, and SA legislation compliance
• Manage VAT, PAYE, and tax submissions
• Coordinate internal and external audits
• Identify internal control weaknesses and implement corrective measures
• Assist with budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis
• Provide financial reporting to management and departmental heads
• Drive continuous improvement of accounting systems and processes
• Ensure proper financial documentation and record keeping
• Support and mentor junior staff
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and duties

Skills

Excel skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem solving

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

CA(SA)/CIMA/SAIPA advantageous

Tools

Sage

SAP

Oracle

Pastel

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Senior Accountant
Knysna, WC
Market Related Salary

Our client, a well-established and innovative company operating within a specialised technical industry, is currently seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join their finance team based in Knysna.

This role is ideally suited to a highly analytical finance professional with strong leadership ability, extensive accounting experience, and a solid understanding of South African financial legislation and reporting standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the company’s financial operations while supporting strategic financial decision-making and process improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, or SAIPA highly advantageous
• 5 – 8 years’ accounting experience essential
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a senior accounting or supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, GAAP, and South African statutory requirements
• Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and month-end/year-end processes
• Experience with VAT, PAYE, SARS compliance, and tax submissions
• Proven experience with payroll accounting, fixed asset management, and cash flow management
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software systems such as Sage, SAP, Oracle, Pastel, or Microsoft Dynamics
• Advanced MS Excel skills including formulas, reconciliations, and reporting
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills
• High attention to detail with strong levels of accuracy and professionalism
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines under pressure
• Own reliable transport and valid driver’s license advantageous

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain accurate general ledger records and supporting schedules
• Review accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes
• Prepare financial statements and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Review balance sheet and income statement reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, GAAP, company policies, and South African legislation
• Manage VAT, PAYE, and other statutory submissions and tax compliance processes
• Liaise with SARS regarding tax queries, audits, and related matters
• Coordinate and manage internal and external audits
• Identify internal control weaknesses and implement corrective measures
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis
• Provide financial support and reporting to management and departmental heads
• Drive continuous improvement of accounting systems and financial processes
• Ensure proper financial documentation, filing, and record keeping
• Support and mentor junior finance staff where applicable
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and finance-related duties as required