Port Elizabeth: Accountant

Purpose of the Role: As an Accountant, you will be responsible for managing a team of bookkeepers and overseeing the full spectrum of accounting, payroll, compliance, and financial reporting functions across multiple stores and clients. Your primary responsibilities include maintaining accurate financial records, preparing and analysing financial statements, and ensuring that all financial transactions comply with relevant regulations and standards. In this role, you will play a vital part in the financial decision-making process, providing insights that support the overall financial health and operational efficiency of the organisation. You will also be actively involved in mentoring staff, implementing internal controls, and ensuring adherence to internal deadlines, SARS requirements, and audit protocols. Your attention to detail, strong analytical skills, leadership ability, and sound knowledge of accounting principles will be key to succeeding in this position. Key Responsibilities: Team & Information Management Manage, train, and mentor a team of bookkeepers, including conducting monthly performance reviews. Provide day-to-day assistance and support on queries from stores, clients, and staff. Conduct training sessions for new and existing staff (bookkeepers and clients). Perform back-to-work interviews and manage performance appraisals. Set clear deadlines and provide structured direction for bookkeepers. Maintain and manage staff and client data on electronic storage systems. Operational Oversight Daily & Weekly Responsibilities Monitor bookkeeper compliance with daily and weekly banking checks. Authorise store expenditure by reviewing supporting documentation for validity and VAT compliance. Release payments via electronic banking platforms. Ensure timely handling of staff, client, and internal group queries. Oversee adherence to operational requirements by bookkeepers. Monthly Responsibilities Review and approve salaries, incentives (including locum payments), and EMP submissions. Perform and verify monthly incentive calculations. Ensure accurate salary processing and resolve related queries. Review store bookkeeping, raise review notes, and ensure corrections are made. Prepare and review management accounts and address related client queries. Review and authorise PAYE and VAT reconciliations, ensuring submission on e-Filing. Oversee SARS communication handling and resolution of tax queries. Manage drawdown lists and loan amortisations for applicable stores. Ensure the completeness and accuracy of month-end reports from POS systems. Act as administrator for bank profiles (manage access and rights). Administer e-Filing profiles for staff (add/edit/remove). Conduct Pastel roll-overs, error resolution, and manage access issues. Order and manage stationery and Metrofile documentation storage. Oversee postal processes and distribution of received client mail. Annual Responsibilities Coordinate annual staff increase processes and distribute client guidelines. Set and discuss turnover targets with stores and clients. Participate in full audit processes with external auditors (planning, query resolution, journal evaluation, and finalisation). Ensure BHF yearly charges are settled across all stores. Complete IRP501 reconciliations twice a year and resolve queries with HR. Manage annual Pastel renewals and roll-overs. Ad Hoc & Special Projects Develop business plans for prospective franchisees seeking financing. Manage onboarding and setup for new staff (IT, desks, supplies). Oversee the setup and onboarding process for new stores. Liaise with banks/FeverTree to arrange lease deposit guarantees. Review provisional tax calculations from auditors. Complete IT14SD reconciliations when required. Obtain audit certificates for licenses and landlord reporting requirements. Continuously update and maintain internal templates, processes, and procedures. Qualifications & Experience: Education A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or similar are highly preferred. Experience: Proven experience as an Accountant or in a similar financial role, ideally within an audit environment. Preferred Profile: The ideal candidate would currently be an Audit Manager at an auditing firm, with experience in: Completing articles in an audit environment. Managing staff and junior accountants. Leading full audit engagements from planning to finalisation. Note: Our internal structure is modelled closely on that of an audit firm; therefore, familiarity with audit-based workflows and controls is highly advantageous. Key Competencies: Proficiency in financial software and tools, including ERP systems and advanced spreadsheet applications. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with exceptional attention to detail. High numerical aptitude and the ability to interpret and work with complex financial data. Solid understanding of tax regulations, compliance, and statutory reporting requirements. Familiarity with financial auditing procedures and audit readiness. Excellent organisational and time management skills to effectively meet deadlines. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with various stakeholders. Demonstrated ethical conduct with a strong commitment to confidentiality and professional integrity.