Accounting Manager

We are recruiting on behalf of a key client for the role of Manager – Accounting & Finance.

This permanent position is critical to the end-to-end financial management of their accounting services operations. The Manager will be responsible for overseeing accounting records, management reporting, tax compliance, cash flow management, and the supervision of accounting staff who service external client entities. The ultimate purpose of the role is to ensure financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and effective financial decision support for management.

NB! SAIPA/SAIT Registered and to be based in Cape Winelands

Key Responsibilities

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Prepare weekly payables schedules and payment packs.
• Process payments strictly in accordance with authorised payment schedules and delegated authority limits.
• Maintain weekly cash flow projections.
• Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts and liquidity analyses.
• Monitor funding requirements and escalate risks to management.
• Prepare detailed payables reports for weekly payments, the 25th of the month, month-end, and beginning-of-month payment cycles.

Financial Accounting

• Maintain accurate accounting records in Xero up to trial balance level.
• Perform and review bank, debtor, creditor, and inter company reconciliations.
• Process journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Maintain fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules.

Management Reporting

• income statement
• balance sheet
• cash flow summary
• budget vs actual analysis
• Provide financial insights and variance explanations to management
• Monitor key financial KPIs
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis

Tax Compliance

• Prepare and submit VAT201 returns
• Prepare and submit EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations
• Prepare provisional tax (IRP6) calculations
• Submit IT14 corporate income tax returns
• Liaise with SARS and respond to queries or audits
• Ensure valid Tax Practitioner registration and maintain an active SARS e-filing profile to facilitate the submission and administration of all tax filings

Payroll

• Process monthly payroll through SimplePay
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, UIF, and SDL obligations
• Maintain payroll records and employee tax certificates

Financial Statements & Audit

• Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS for SMEs or other applicable financial reporting frameworks
• Maintain supporting audit files and working papers
• Liaise with independent reviewers or auditors during year-end processes

Governance and Risk Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SARS filing deadlines
• Ensure financial controls are applied to payment processes
• Maintain supporting documentation for tax and accounting records
• Monitor compliance with accounting policies and internal financial procedures
• Maintain professional body membership and comply with CPD requirements where applicable

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Recruit, supervise, train, and performance-manage a team of accountants
• Allocate portfolios of client entities to accounting staff
• Review work prepared by team members including reconciliations, management accounts, and tax submissions
• Implement quality-control procedures for all financial reporting deliverables
• Monitor staff productivity, deadlines, and service standards
• Oversee service delivery to client entities and ensure adherence to service-level agreements

Financial Process Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in financial systems and accounting processes
• Drive automation and efficiency within accounting workflows

Other Duties

• Assist management in compiling financial information required for investment valuations and ensure correct accounting treatment of valuation adjustments

REQUIREMENTS

Relevant Qualifications

• SAIPA registered
• Must be a registered Tax Practitioner with an active SARS e-filing profile

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years accounting experience
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Experience in accounting firm or multi-entity environment
• Group consolidation and reporting experience advantageous

Systems & Reporting Tools

• Xero – accounting system and reconciliations
• Syft – financial analytics and reporting
• Excel – financial modelling, reconciliations, and reporting schedules

Characteristics

• Entrepreneurial mindset and out-of-the-box thinker - ability to identify operational improvements and implement efficient financial processes
• Pro-active
• Demonstrated leadership capability in managing accounting teams
• Strong problem-solving ability and willingness to take ownership of financial operations