Senior Bookkeeper

Sataya; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic accounting firm in South Africa is seeking a highly skilled Senior Bookkeeper to manage client portfolios and ensure accurate financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of bookkeeping experience, particularly with UK-based companies, and must be proficient in Xero. Responsibilities include overseeing VAT compliance, performing bank reconciliations, reporting, and liaising with clients to ensure positive relationships. This opportunity is perfect for detail-oriented candidates ready to thrive in an accounting environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accountancy practice.
• Experience working with UK based companies is required.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, journal entries, and reconciliation processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records in Xero for clients.
• Oversee all VAT clients and prepare returns.
• Manage monthly CIS filings and ensure accuracy.
• Perform regular bank reconciliations.
• Process supplier invoices and manage client invoicing.
• Monitor aged debtors and chase outstanding payments.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports.
• Communicate with clients regarding queries and deadlines.
• Process and post monthly payroll journals.

Skills

Xero expertise

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Relevant qualification or degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Xero accounting software

Job description

Senior Bookkeeper

💰 R300 000 - R450 000 per annum (Experience Dependent)

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Bookkeeper with extensive Xero experience to join our client’s dynamic accounting team. The ideal candidate will be confident managing a portfolio of clients, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and overseeing end-to-end bookkeeping processes. You will play a key role in supporting the firm’s accounting operations and maintaining strong client relationships.

This role is perfect for a detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of accounting principles looking to thrive in an accountancy practice environment.

• Xero Expertise: Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records in Xero for a portfolio of clients.
• Tax Compliance: Oversee all VAT clients, prepare returns, and ensure timely and compliant submissions to HMRC.
• CIS Management: Manage monthly CIS filings, ensuring all deductions are correctly recorded and submitted on time.
• Reconciliation: Perform regular bank reconciliation and ensure all control accounts (e.g., VAT, PAYE, wages, bank, and directors’ loan) are reconciled correctly.
• A/P & A/R: Process supplier invoices, reconcile supplier statements, and manage client invoicing and debt collection (Accounts Payable & Receivable).
• Credit Control: Proactively monitor aged debtors and chase outstanding payments to maintain healthy client cash flow.
• Month-End: Prepare and post prepayments, accruals, depreciation, and journals to ensure accurate management accounts.
• Reporting: Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports, including profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow summaries.
• Client Liaison: Communicate with clients regarding queries, deadlines, and outstanding information in a professional and proactive manner.
• Payroll Support: Process and post monthly payroll journals, reconcile payroll accounts, and liaise with payroll providers as required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years of bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accountancy practice.
• Experience working with UK based companies is required - knowledge of HMRC tax and CIS.
• Technical Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Xero accounting software is mandatory.
• Knowledge: Solid understanding of accounting principles, journal entries, and reconciliation processes.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and strong communication skills.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple clients with varying deadlines.
• Qualifications (Desirable): Relevant qualification or degree in Accounting or Finance.

If you are a proactive Senior Bookkeeper ready to take ownership of complex client portfolios and deliver high-quality financial insights, we encourage you to apply.

Disclaimer: If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful. We thank you for your interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities.