Eastern Cape: Accounting Department Manager posted by Staff Solutions

The Accountant is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient financial reporting and tax processes within the Company.

This role encompasses the preparation and review of financial statements, tax computations, and management accounts, while also contributing to business structure support and staff development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Operations & Reporting

• Deliver all work accurately, within budgeted hours, and according to deadlines.
• Prepare working papers and reconciliations to support financial statements and special projects.
• Compile financial statements from trial balances and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance of financial statements with applicable standards (e.g., IFRS for SMEs) and regulatory requirements.
• Draft financial statements using designated software or Excel, in line with internal SOPs.
• Prepare provisional tax computations for all group entities.
• Maintain and annually update dividends tax registers.
• Compile information for company tax returns and review submissions for accuracy.
• Complete IT14SD returns using data from verified working papers.
• Review working papers and financial statements for completeness and compliance.
• Monitor and review monthly management accounts to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare cash flows, budgets, and management accounts required for banking or external purposes.
• Manage SARS income tax audits when required.

2. Business Structures & Compliance

• Assist in implementing business structures with attention to tax, compliance, reporting, and estate planning.
• Ensure continuous professional development (CPD) hours are maintained for qualified accounting staff.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of the SAIPA logbook and article training requirements.
• Contribute to achieving a minimum 95% productivity rate for non-administrative staff.

3. Process Improvement

• Develop and refine accounting procedures to promote consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across processes.

4. Client & Team Collaboration

• Manage a portfolio of medium-sized clients, ensuring the delivery of high-quality service and support.
• Collaborate with both internal and external audit teams to fulfill auditing responsibilities effectively.
• Provide structured feedback and updates to bookkeeping staff to ensure alignment and data accuracy.

5. Training & Development

• Train and mentor accounting trainees in line with the Company’s methodology and SAIPA training requirements.

Required Competencies & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, particularly IFRS for SMEs.
• Proven ability to prepare financial statements and tax computations for a variety of entity types, including partnerships, sole proprietors, farming operations, companies, close corporations, estates, individuals, trusts, and schools.
• Relevant degree and professional qualification (SAIPA or equivalent) required.