Senior Bookkeeper

Hr Genie; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Senior Bookkeeper. The ideal candidate will maintain financial records across multiple franchise stores and ensure compliance with VAT regulations. Proficiency in Pastel Accounting and a strong background in bookkeeping are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and requires attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of bookkeeping/accounting experience in a multi-branch or franchise retail environment.
• Proficient in VAT legislation and compliance.
• Experience in the food franchise industry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records for multiple franchise stores.
• Process reconciliations and handle accounts payable/receivable.
• Assist in management reports and cash flow statements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Diploma or degree in Accounting

Tools

Pastel Accounting

MS Excel

Job description

Overview

SENIOR BOOKKEEPER Blackheath, Cape Town

R20 000 R25 000 Per Month Negotiable based on qualification and years of relevant experience

Highly reputable and established FMCG concern (Foods) is in search of a highly skilled, detailed, accurate, analytical and reliable Bookkeeper / Accounting professional who possesses solid accounting background and proven experience using Pastel Accounting.

You are a process-driven problem solver who communicates financial information clearly. You are trustworthy with sensitive financial data and able to manage high-volume transactions with accuracy and urgency.

This role will report into the Directors / Finance Manager.

Main Purpose of the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across multiple stores within our franchise business, ensuring compliance with VAT regulations, and managing invoicing for both customers and suppliers. Experience in the food franchise industry, particularly fast food or takeaway, is highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for multiple franchise stores.
• Process and reconcile all financial transactions using Pastel Accounting, including:
  • Journal entries
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Debtors and creditors
  • Monthly closing procedures
  • Prepare and issue monthly rental invoices for various stores in accordance with lease agreements.
  • Manage the full accounts payable and receivable process, ensuring correct classification and timely processing of:
    • Customer invoices
    • Supplier invoices
• Ensure compliance with VAT regulations, including the correct identification of VAT vs. non-VAT items, particularly relevant in the food industry (e.g., fish and chips).
• Assist in preparing management reports, cash flow statements, and other ad hoc financial reports as needed.
• Maintain supporting documentation and ensure all records are audit-ready.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as auditors, suppliers, and franchisees where required.
• Support the wider finance team in implementing and maintaining accounting policies and internal controls.

Stock & Supplier Coordination

• Work closely with suppliers to manage stock-related invoicing and ensure accurate processing.
• Reconcile supplier statements and follow up on outstanding items.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure all stock-related accounting is accurately reflected.

Desirable (Advantageous)

• Prior experience working in a franchise business, particularly in the fast food or quick-service restaurant sector.
• Familiarity with South African VAT and SARS compliance.
• Experience using cloud-based accounting platforms in conjunction with Pastel (e.g., Xero, Sage One) is a plus.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A diploma or degree in Accounting, Bookkeeping, or a related field.
• Minimum 35 years of bookkeeping / accounting experience, preferably in a multi-branch or franchise retail environment.
• Experience in the food franchise industry, particularly fast food or takeaway, is highly advantageous.
• Proficient in Pastel Accounting software (Sage Pastel Partner or Evolution).
• Proficiency in MS Excel (i.e. calculation and input of data using formulas, etc.).
• Strong understanding of VAT legislation and the correct treatment of VAT and non-VAT items in the food industry.
• Solid knowledge of financial processes including general ledger, accounts receivable / payable, and bank reconciliations.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple sets of books concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Office-based role.
• Occasional travel to store locations may be required.
• Standard office hours, with some flexibility required around month-end deadlines.

How to Apply

To apply for the role, please forward an updated and detailed copy of your CV.