Senior Bookkeeper / Financial Accountant

The Legends Agency; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized financial services firm is seeking a Senior Bookkeeper/Financial Accountant to manage multiple clients' bookkeeping and accounting functions. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Xero, Sage, and Pastel, and a solid understanding of VAT and payroll processes. This role requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and authorities. Monthly compensation ranges from R14 000 to R18 000, and the position allows for independent work in a professional environment.

Qualifications

• Several years of bookkeeping or accounting experience in a professional environment.
• Proficient in accounting software such as Xero, Sage, or Pastel.
• Strong understanding of VAT, payroll processing, and reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Manage full bookkeeping and accounting functions for multiple clients.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and perform tax calculations.
• Liaise with clients professionally and manage SARS queries.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Accounting

Communication

Detail-oriented

Time management

Tools

Xero

Sage

Pastel

Job description

About the job

Senior Bookkeeper / Financial Accountant

Join a professional financial services firm supporting multiple clients with end-to-end accounting.

Knysna | R14 000 to R18 000 per month

About Our Client

A specialised financial services firm providing outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, and compliance support to a diverse client base. The company is focused on precision, reliability, and high-quality financial processing, offering a professional environment where accuracy and client service are prioritised. This role provides the opportunity to work independently while contributing meaningfully to client financial management.

The Role: Senior Bookkeeper / Financial Accountant

This role exists to manage the full bookkeeping and accounting function for multiple clients while ensuring accurate, compliant financial processing. You will take ownership of monthly accounts, statutory submissions, payroll, reconciliations, and client communication. The position requires a detail-driven professional who can work independently, support junior staff, and maintain excellent service standards across a portfolio of clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage full bookkeeping and accounting functions for multiple clients using Xero, Sage, and Pastel
• Maintain general ledgers, process journals, and complete monthly reconciliations
• Prepare monthly management accounts and perform tax calculations
• Prepare and submit VAT and EMP returns and process monthly payroll
• Liaise with clients professionally and manage SARS queries and submissions
• Review work completed by junior bookkeepers and provide training and support
• Assist with compiling annual financial statements (beneficial but not essential)
• Prepare accounting schedules, supporting documents, and maintain accurate audit trails
• Perform general administrative duties, including document management and meeting deadlines

About You

• Several years of bookkeeping or accounting experience supporting multiple clients
• Proficient in Xero, Sage, and Pastel
• Strong understanding of VAT, EMP, payroll processing, reconciliations, and general ledger management
• Highly organised, detail-driven, and able to manage multiple deadlines independently
• Confident communicator able to liaise professionally with clients and SARS
• Capable of reviewing junior staff work and providing guidance
• Able to work occasional minimal overtime when deadlines require it