Gauteng: Senior Accountant posted by Elchemie

About the Role

Elchemie is seeking a highly skilled Senior Accountant to join our team in Modderfontein, Johannesburg. As a key member of our finance department, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of financial accounting, payroll, and credit control processes. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of the full financial management function within a well-established engineering services company.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process monthly journals and financial accounts up to Trial Balance.
• Produce monthly Trial Balance reports for management and provide commentary where required.
• Ensure all expenses are captured accurately during month-end processing.
• Reconcile all open documents and resolve outstanding reconciling items.
• Maintain comprehensive month-end files including supporting documentation such as asset registers, contracts, and reconciliations.
• Ensure internal debtor accounts are properly journalised and reconciled.
• Process full payroll function for salaries and wages using Pastel Payroll.
• Prepare salary and wage schedules including commission calculations.
• Ensure payroll is processed and ready for payment by required deadlines.
• Provide payslips to employees and ensure all payroll adjustments are properly authorised.
• Issue and manage staff leave forms, loan forms, and HR documentation.
• Assist with general HR administration and reporting requirements.
• Process daily supplier invoices and review payment requests.
• Prepare and release supplier payments and other financial transactions.
• Follow up on outstanding client payments and maintain credit control processes.
• Reconcile bank accounts, petty cash, and control accounts.
• Ensure all transactions are accurately allocated to the correct accounts.
• Manage supplier reconciliations and ensure invoices are matched to purchase orders.
• Prepare creditor payment schedules and ensure accurate processing of import creditors and VAT.
• Maintain and reconcile the Fixed Asset Register.
• Calculate and process monthly depreciation journals.
• Ensure accurate financial record keeping and compliance with internal financial controls.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns including VAT, PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
• Manage the EMP501 bi-annual reconciliation process.
• Ensure Provisional Tax, Income Tax, and RMA payments are completed within statutory deadlines.
• Support BEE verification processes and reporting requirements.
• Assist with general office administration and ensure proper filing and document management.
• Ensure office documentation and financial records comply with regulatory requirements.
• Support management with ad-hoc financial and operational tasks.
• Assist with preparation of annual reports including MERSETA and Employment Equity submissions.
• Supervise and support the junior bookkeeper and receptionist.
• Coordinate with IT service providers and financial consultants where required.
• Assist with banking administration and financial controls.
• Support management with events, functions, and internal administrative coordination.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting or Financial Management, such as a BCom Accounting, BCom Financial Management, National Diploma in Accounting, or Cost and Management Accounting qualification.
• Recognized professional or bookkeeping certifications such as ICB, SAIBA, or similar South African accounting bodies will be advantageous.
• 5+ years’ experience in a senior accounting or finance role.
• Strong experience with Pastel Partner Accounting and Pastel Payroll.
• Experience managing full payroll processing.
• Strong knowledge of South African statutory compliance (VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL).
• Experience with creditors, debtors, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Strong administrative and documentation management skills.
• Own reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• South African ID / legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications not specified.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive take-home salary: R38,000 – R45,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

What is in it for you?

• Opportunity to take ownership of the full financial management function within a well-established engineering services company.
• Exposure to a technically driven industrial business environment.
• Long-term career stability within a growing organisation.
• Provident Fund benefits after successful completion of probation.

A Few Things to Know

• Office-based role in Modderfontein, Johannesburg.
• 6-month probation period applies.
• Standard office hours with occasional additional responsibilities during financial reporting periods.
• Deadline-driven environment requiring strong organisational skills and accountability.