Senior Bookkeeper

Vulcan Recruit; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 223,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Collaborative working environment

Job summary

Vulcan Recruit is helping a growing accounting practice based in Lagoon Beach, Milnerton, Cape Town, to recruit a Senior Bookkeeper. You will oversee the full bookkeeping function, manage SA and UK client portfolios, prepare management accounts, and supervise junior staff in a deadline-driven environment.

The successful candidate will have 5–7 years of bookkeeping experience, a qualification in accounting, and advanced Xero skills, with strong Excel and payroll experience.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Accounting or Financial Accounting is required.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years' bookkeeping experience.
• Experience in an accounting practice is essential.
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple client portfolios.
• Experience with client onboarding and liaison.
• Experience supervising junior bookkeepers.
• Advanced proficiency in Xero is essential.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Outlook and Teams.
• Experience using SimplePay or similar payroll software.
• Solid understanding of VAT, payroll, reconciliations and management accounts.
• Ability to manage full bookkeeping independently.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Must reside in Milnerton or surrounding area.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of SA and UK clients and act as the primary bookkeeping contact.
• Lead client onboarding and participate in consultations.
• Oversee disengagement processes and maintain professional client relationships.
• Ensure accurate and timely bookkeeping delivery.
• Manage full bookkeeping cycle from cashbook processing to management accounts.
• Process cashbooks, bank reconciliations, supplier invoices and month-end journals.
• Reconcile balance sheets and intercompany accounts; maintain fixed asset registers.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and VAT reconciliations.
• Manage the full payroll function and monthly payroll returns.
• Supervise and mentor junior bookkeepers and ensure compliance.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Leadership

Attention to detail

Client liaison

Deadline driven

Independent worker

Education

Accounting diploma or degree

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Teams

SimplePay

Job description

Senior Bookkeeper

Location: Lagoon Beach, Milnerton, Cape Town
Industry: Accounting & Financial Services
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Arrangement: On-site / Hybrid (to be confirmed)
Salary: R20,000 – R25,000 per month, depending on experience

IMPORTANT LOCATION REQUIREMENT:

Only candidates residing in Milnerton or the immediate surrounding areas will be considered. Candidates residing outside the Milnerton area will not be shortlisted for this position.

About the Opportunity

Our client, a growing and established accounting practice based in Lagoon Beach, Milnerton, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Bookkeeper to join their professional finance team.

The company provides accounting and financial services to clients across South Africa and the United Kingdom, offering an opportunity to gain valuable international accounting exposure.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a portfolio of clients, overseeing the full bookkeeping function, preparing management accounts, handling VAT and payroll administration, and supervising junior bookkeepers.

We are looking for a confident, independent professional who thrives in a deadline-driven accounting environment and takes pride in delivering accurate financial information.

Minimum Requirements – Essential

• Candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered:
• National Diploma or Degree in Accounting or Financial Accounting.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years' bookkeeping experience.
• Previous experience working within an accounting practice is essential.
• Proven experience independently managing multiple client portfolios.
• Experience with client onboarding, consultations and client liaison.
• Previous experience supervising and reviewing the work of junior bookkeepers.
• Advanced proficiency in Xero accounting software is essential.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Teams.
• Experience using SimplePay or similar payroll software.
• Solid understanding of VAT, payroll, reconciliations and management accounts.
• Ability to manage the full bookkeeping function independently.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Must reside in Milnerton or the immediate surrounding area.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client Portfolio Management

• Manage an assigned portfolio of South African and UK clients.
• Act as the primary bookkeeping contact for clients.
• Lead client onboarding and participate in client consultations.
• Oversee client disengagement processes.
• Maintain professional client relationships and resolve financial queries efficiently.
• Ensure accurate and timely delivery of bookkeeping services.

2. Full Bookkeeping Function

• Manage the full bookkeeping cycle from cashbook processing to management accounts.
• Process cashbooks and complete monthly bank reconciliations.
• Process supplier invoices and reconcile creditor accounts.
• Prepare and post month-end journals.
• Reconcile balance sheet and intercompany accounts.
• Maintain fixed asset registers, including acquisitions, disposals and depreciation.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies independently.

3. Financial Reporting, VAT & Payroll

• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts.
• Complete VAT reconciliations and prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Manage the full payroll function.
• Prepare and submit monthly statutory payroll returns.
• Ensure financial records comply with applicable accounting and tax requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial reporting and supporting documentation.

4. Staff Supervision & Compliance

• Supervise and support junior bookkeepers.
• Review bookkeeping work to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Allocate tasks and monitor deadlines across client portfolios.
• Assist with team capacity planning and workload management.
• Provide guidance, training and mentorship to junior team members.
• Stay informed of relevant South African and UK accounting, tax and payroll requirements.

Advantageous

• Previous UK bookkeeping experience.
• Experience working with both South African and international clients.
• Knowledge of UK accounting, tax and payroll requirements.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent attention to detail and financial accuracy.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Professional communication and client relationship skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence in handling complex reconciliations.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-driven approach.
• Ability to remain calm and productive under pressure.
• A supportive attitude towards mentoring junior staff.

What We Offer

• Permanent employment within a growing accounting practice.
• Exposure to South African and UK accounting practices.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A professional and collaborative working environment.