Port Elizabeth: Senior Accountant posted by Manpower Group

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Process and review accounting records on computerised accounting systems
• Prepare complete sets of annual financial statements and working paper files for CCs, trusts, sole proprietors, partnerships, body corporates, farmers and small business corporations
• Analyse trial balances, identify discrepancies and discuss results with clients
• Prepare monthly management accounts and perform analytical reviews (GP%, inventory days, debtor/creditor days)
• Maintain fixed asset registers and process depreciation, provisions, accruals and journals
• Correct accounting treatment for asset disposals and capital gains/losses
• Distinguish between finance and operating leases
• Process foreign exchange transactions
• Record books from insufficient records

Taxation & Statutory Compliance

• Calculate tax liabilities for individuals and businesses
• Complete and submit statutory returns including PAYE, UIF, SDL and VAT
• Reconcile VAT input/output to trial balances and financial statements
• Prepare and submit income tax returns
• Perform tax planning, including fringe benefits, allowances, lump-sum retirement taxation and non-resident tax
• Liaise with clients regarding statutory payments and compliance

Audit & Assurance

• Perform vouching tests during audits and independent reviews
• Identify risks, materiality and internal control weaknesses
• Prepare and review management representation letters
• Qualify Accounting Officer reports where required

Client & Team Management

• Liaise directly with clients and provide professional advisory support
• Supervise, mentor and train junior and intermediate accountants
• Review monthly files and working papers prepared by junior team members
• Assist with complex client matters beyond routine accounting tasks

Systems & Compliance

• Set up accounting systems for clients and train client staff (Pastel)
• Ensure compliance with the firm’s System of Quality Management (SOQM)
• Adhere to internal HR policies and professional codes of conduct (SAICA, IRBA, IESBA)

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• Matric with Accounting (Higher Grade)
• BCom Degree or equivalent with Accounting III and Taxation
• Completed SAIPA or SAICA articles
  OR
• More than 6 years’ experience within an accounting practice

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years’ relevant accounting experience

Skills & Competencies

• Strong accounting, taxation and auditing knowledge
• Excellent interpersonal and client communication skills
• Ability to communicate in English (Afrikaans and/or Xhosa advantageous)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent time management and organisational ability
• Ability to work accurately under pressure in a deadline-driven environment
• Proven supervisory and leadership capability

Systems & Software

• Pastel
• CaseWare
• Xero
• Microsoft Excel, Word and Windows

Please note that only suitable candidates will be contacted.