Accountant

Introduction

The Accountant will be responsible for managing accounting and taxation functions for a portfolio of clients, ensuring accurate financial records, timely preparation of annual financial statements and compliance with applicable South African tax legislation.

The successful candidate must have strong technical accounting knowledge, experience working within an accounting or auditing firm, and the ability to manage multiple client accounts while meeting strict deadlines. The role requires excellent attention to detail, strong client service skills and the ability to work independently.

Duties & Responsibilities

2.1 Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage accounting records and financial information for a portfolio of clients.

• Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards, including IFRS for SMEs where relevant.

• Prepare monthly management accounts, trial balances and financial reports.

• Review general ledger accounts and process necessary accounting journals.

• Perform bank, debtor, creditor and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Prepare year-end journals, accruals, prepayments and depreciation calculations.

• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies.

• Maintain accurate working papers and supporting schedules.

• Ensure client accounting records are complete, accurate and up to date.

2.2 Taxation and SARS Compliance

• Prepare and submit individual and corporate income tax returns.

• Prepare provisional tax calculations and submissions.

• Prepare VAT reconciliations and VAT201 returns.

• Assist with PAYE, EMP201 and EMP501 submissions where applicable.

• Monitor SARS eFiling profiles and outstanding compliance requirements.

• Respond to SARS queries and assist with resolving tax discrepancies.

• Monitor statutory deadlines and ensure timely submission of returns.

• Liaise with clients regarding outstanding tax documentation and compliance matters.

2.3 Client Portfolio Management

• Manage relationships with an assigned portfolio of clients.

• Request and follow up on outstanding accounting records and supporting documents.

• Respond to client accounting and taxation queries professionally.

• Provide routine accounting guidance and identify matters requiring escalation.

• Monitor client deadlines and ensure work is completed within agreed turnaround times.

• Communicate financial information and compliance requirements clearly.

• Identify potential accounting issues and recommend appropriate solutions.

2.4 Audit and Independent Review Support

• Prepare financial statements and supporting working papers for audit or independent review engagements.

• Liaise with external auditors and independent reviewers.

• Provide supporting documentation and respond to audit queries.

• Address review notes and make required accounting adjustments.

• Ensure accounting files are properly documented and organised.

• Assist with the completion of audit and independent review files.

2.5 Company Secretarial and Statutory Administration

• Assist with CIPC annual returns and company compliance requirements.

• Maintain company statutory records and relevant documentation.

• Assist with company registration and amendments where required.

• Monitor statutory filing deadlines.

• Liaise with clients regarding outstanding company information and documentation.

2.6 Payroll and General Accounting Support

• Assist with payroll processing and payroll reconciliations where required.

• Review payroll journals and statutory deductions.

• Assist with UIF, PAYE and SDL compliance.

• Prepare financial schedules and supporting documentation.

• Support month-end and year-end accounting procedures.

• Assist with additional accounting and administrative duties as required.

2.7 Quality Control and Administration

• Ensure accounting work complies with firm procedures and applicable professional standards.

• Maintain organised electronic client files and accounting records.

• Review work for accuracy and completeness before submission.

• Protect confidential client financial and personal information.

• Manage multiple assignments and prioritise competing deadlines.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiency.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Grade 12 / Matric.

• A BCom Accounting degree, diploma in Accounting, or relevant accounting qualification.

• Approximately 3–5 years' relevant accounting experience, preferably within an accounting or auditing firm.

• Practical experience preparing annual financial statements.

• Experience managing client accounts and performing accounting reconciliations.

• Working knowledge of South African tax legislation and SARS eFiling.

• Experience with VAT, income tax and provisional tax submissions.

• Knowledge of IFRS for SMEs and applicable financial reporting requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

• Experience with accounting software such as Sage Accounting, Sage Pastel, Xero or QuickBooks.

Package & Remuneration

Market Related

Interested?

If you meet the requirements, kindly submit your CV and qualifications to admin@placepros.co.za