Bookkeeper / Accountant

Introduction

Our client is an established and forward-thinking accounting practice dedicated to delivering high-quality bookkeeping, tax, and financial management services to a diverse portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients. They foster a collaborative, tech-forward, and supportive working environment focused on precision, client relationships, and professional growth.

Description

Job Title: Bookkeeper / Accountant Location: Durbanville, Northern Suburbs, Cape Town Contract type: Permanent Salary: R20 000 – R30 000pm

Company Description Our client is an established and forward-thinking accounting practice dedicated to delivering high-quality bookkeeping, tax, and financial management services to a diverse portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients. They foster a collaborative, tech-forward, and supportive working environment focused on precision, client relationships, and professional growth.

Clear Job Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper /Accountant to manage the full monthly bookkeeping cycle for a dedicated portfolio of SME clients. The successful candidate will handle transaction processing, VAT and EMP submissions, payroll administration, SARS compliance, and financial reporting while maintaining exceptional standards of accuracy and communication.

Expanded Duties and Responsibilities

• Support month-end bookkeeping and reporting processes - Bookkeeping up-to-trial balance.

• Process and reconcile client financial transactions accurately and timeously.

• Maintain comprehensive bookkeeping records for a portfolio of SME clients.

• Prepare and submit VAT201 and EMP201 returns.

• Process payroll and maintain accurate payroll records.

• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for clients.

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

• Perform tax calculations and complete tax returns for individuals.

• Liaise directly with clients regarding bookkeeping queries and outstanding information.

• Ensure all client deadlines and regulatory compliance obligations are met consistently.

• Compile financial statements (advantageous).

Qualifications and Experience

• Prior experience working within an accounting practice environment is preferred.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Afrikaans.

• Solid understanding of VAT principles within a South African SME environment.

• Working knowledge of Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software.

• Qualified by 3–5 years of practical bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accounting practice.

• Proficiency in Xero, Sage, or Pastel, alongside solid South African VAT knowledge.

• Experience using SARS eFiling and SimplePay will be advantageous.

• Fluent in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal).

• Advantageous but not required - Completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent).

• Solid understanding of VAT principles within a South African SME environment.

• Working knowledge of Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software.

• Experience using SARS eFiling and SimplePay will be advantageous.

• Fluent in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal).

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong technology aptitude with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Capable of managing multiple deadlines and client requirements simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

SKILLS LIST

• Hard Skills: Full-Function Bookkeeping, Bank Reconciliations, VAT201, EMP201, Payroll Administration, Financial Reporting, Management Accounts, Xero, Sage, Pastel, SARS eFiling, SimplePay.

• Soft Skills: Attention to Detail, Time Management, Proactive Mindset, Organization, Client Relationship Management, Bilingualism (English & Afrikaans).

• Job Related Skills: Balance Sheet Reconciliations, Tax Calculations, Deadline Management, Portfolio Management, Query Resolution.

• Summary: Accountant, Accountant, SME Accountant, Practice Bookkeeper, BCom Accounting, Xero, Sage, Pastel, VAT, Payroll, Sagen Advisory.

PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONS – Please answer the following questions in the designated fields

• Do you have a completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent)?

• How many years of practical bookkeeping or accounting experience do you have?

• Do you have hands-on working experience within an accounting practice environment?

• Are you proficient in working with Xero, Sage, or Pastel accounting software?

• Are you fluent and comfortable communicating in both English and Afrikaans (written and verbal)?

• What is your expected monthly salary?

• How far (km) do you live from Durbanville, Cape Town?

Profile

Our client is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper /Accountant to manage the full monthly bookkeeping cycle for a dedicated portfolio of SME clients. The successful candidate will handle transaction processing, VAT and EMP submissions, payroll administration, SARS compliance, and financial reporting while maintaining exceptional standards of accuracy and communication. Expanded Duties and Responsibilities

• Support month-end bookkeeping and reporting processes - Bookkeeping up-to-trial balance.

• Process and reconcile client financial transactions accurately and timeously.

• Maintain comprehensive bookkeeping records for a portfolio of SME clients.

• Prepare and submit VAT201 and EMP201 returns.

• Process payroll and maintain accurate payroll records.

• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for clients.

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

• Perform tax calculations and complete tax returns for individuals.

• Liaise directly with clients regarding bookkeeping queries and outstanding information.

• Ensure all client deadlines and regulatory compliance obligations are met consistently.

• Compile financial statements (advantageous). Qualifications and Experience

• Prior experience working within an accounting practice environment is preferred.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Afrikaans.

• Solid understanding of VAT principles within a South African SME environment.

• Working knowledge of Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software.

• Qualified by 3–5 years of practical bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accounting practice.

• Proficiency in Xero, Sage, or Pastel, alongside solid South African VAT knowledge.

• Experience using SARS eFiling and SimplePay will be advantageous.

• Fluent in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal).

• Advantageous but not required - Completed tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a related field (BCom, National Diploma, or equivalent).

• Solid understanding of VAT principles within a South African SME environment.

• Working knowledge of Xero, Sage, and Pastel accounting software.

• Experience using SARS eFiling and SimplePay will be advantageous.

• Fluent in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal). Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong technology aptitude with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Capable of managing multiple deadlines and client requirements simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset. SKILLS LIST

• Hard Skills: Full-Function Bookkeeping, Bank Reconciliations, VAT201, EMP201, Payroll Administration, Financial Reporting, Management Accounts, Xero, Sage, Pastel, SARS eFiling, SimplePay.

• Soft Skills: Attention to Detail, Time Management, Proactive Mindset, Organization, Client Relationship Management, Bilingualism (English & Afrikaans).

• Job Related Skills: Balance Sheet Reconciliations, Tax Calculations, Deadline Management, Portfolio Management, Query Resolution.

• Summary: Accoun