Financial Accountant (Full Function)

Client Overview

This role is with a South African wholesale and retail fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) trading business that also operates a related export entity. The company is transitioning its finance function to a new, structured system.

Role Summary

The Financial Accountant will own and manage the full accounting cycle on Xero, from transaction capture to VAT submissions, month-end close, and management reporting. The role ensures SARS compliance and provides accurate, timely financial data to the owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture and approve supplier invoices, reconcile statements, and prepare payment runs.
• Oversee sales invoicing, credit notes, allocate receipts, and manage collections.
• Reconcile all bank accounts weekly and prepare rolling cash flow forecasts.
• Coordinate daily stock counts, post monthly stock valuations, and reconcile inventory.
• Prepare and submit VAT201 returns, reconcile VAT, and maintain export documentation.
• Submit EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations, manage UIF, SDL, and COIDA compliance.
• Close the month to a reconciled trial balance, post accruals, and deliver monthly management accounts.
• Prepare year-end packs and schedules, and liaise with external accountants.
• Maintain Xero chart of accounts, enforce controls, and support system migration.
• Supervise and review work of capturing staff.

Required Qualifications

• SAIPA qualification.
• Minimum 5 years of full function accounting experience, up to trial balance and management accounts.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on Xero experience running live company files end-to-end.
• Minimum 3 years in FMCG, wholesale, or distribution with physical stock.
• Experience independently preparing and submitting VAT201 returns on SARS eFiling.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and reconciliations.
• Clear credit and criminal record.

Preferred Skills

• Professional designation (CIMA, ACCA, or CA(SA)).
• Xero Advisor Certification.
• Registered tax practitioner (SAIPA or SAIT).
• Export experience, including zero rating, SARS Customs, and foreign currency receipts.
• Experience with a migration onto Xero or a new accounting system.
• Payroll experience on SimplePay, Sage Payroll, or similar.
• Experience supervising junior finance or capturing staff.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Accurate and deadline driven.
• Hands-on and comfortable owning the full function in an owner-managed business.
• Ability to explain numbers clearly to non-financial owners.
• High integrity and strict confidentiality.
• Structured approach; follows and improves documented processes.

Compensation

Market related, based on qualifications and experience.

Location & Work Arrangement

Ormonde, Johannesburg. Permanent, full-time, office-based role, Monday to Friday, standard office hours. Alternate Saturdays and extended hours may be required around deadlines. No remote or hybrid option. Preference will be given to female candidates.