East London: Bookkeeper & Office Manager posted by Profile Personnel

About the Role

Profile Personnel is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper and Office Manager to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented, organized, and experienced in bookkeeping for professional services, particularly in a legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Record Keeping: Maintain and manage accurate and up-to-date financial records for the practice, including ledgers, journals, and client trust accounts.
• Billing & Invoicing: Prepare and issue client invoices for legal services rendered, ensuring compliance with the firm’s billing policies, rates, and terms.
• Trust Account Management: Oversee the operation of the firm’s trust accounts, ensuring compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act, local regulations, and firm policies regarding client funds.
• Payroll Processing: Administer the payroll for all staff, ensuring accurate salary calculations, deductions, and tax submissions, while complying with relevant labor laws.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for management review.
• Reconciliation: Perform regular bank reconciliations, reconciliations of client trust accounts, and other financial accounts to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• VAT and Tax Compliance: Manage VAT returns and tax filings, ensuring the firm is in compliance with all local tax regulations.
• Client Trust Fund Management: Ensure proper documentation and accounting for all client funds, including managing deposits, disbursements, and maintaining accurate records for auditing purposes.
• Accounts Payable and Receivable: Oversee and manage all accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely payments and collections.
• Financial Policies & Procedures: Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to improve efficiency, control, and financial accuracy within the practice.
• Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and financial records as requested.
• Mentoring: Supervise junior bookkeeping staff, providing guidance and support as needed to ensure accurate bookkeeping practices are followed.

Requirements

• Education: A Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. A professional accounting qualification (e.g., SAIPA, CIMA, or ACCA) would be advantageous.
• Experience: At least 5-7 years of bookkeeping or accounting experience, preferably within a legal or professional services environment.
• Legal Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the unique financial requirements and regulations of law firms, including client trust accounting and compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Attention to Detail: Strong ability to maintain accurate financial records and perform reconciliations with a high level of precision.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, prioritizing work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with colleagues, clients, and external parties.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify discrepancies or issues in financial data and develop solutions to resolve them.
• Ethical and Confidential: Strong understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards, especially regarding client trust funds and financial information.

Salary & Benefits

Salary details not specified