Port Elizabeth: Senior Bookkeeper posted by Top Vitae

This role requires a candidate who is highly proficient in Sage Pastel Partner and Advanced Excel, with a “systems-first” mindset. An ability to automate manual processes would be advantage.

The role is diverse and covers the full bookkeeping spectrum, from operational processing (GRVs and Cost of Sales) to general ledger maintenance, bank reconciliations, intercompany accounts and further bookkeeping processes. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can ensure data integrity across multiple group entities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Processing & Cost of Sales

• Accurate and timeous processing of Goods Received Vouchers (GRVs) to ensure Cost of Sales and inventory levels are correctly reflected in the accounting system.
• Reconciliation of operational stock records against supplier documentation to ensure processing accuracy.
• Collaboration with the Creditors Controller to ensure that all processed GRVs are ready for reconciliation and payment.

General Bookkeeping & Financial Administration

• Perform full-function bookkeeping duties on Sage Pastel Partner to Trial Balance.
• Process and reconcile bank accounts and petty cash for various group entities.
• Manage and reconcile intercompany accounts and loan accounts across the company.
• Assist with the loading of electronic payments and ensuring all supporting documentation is captured.
• Processing and controlling credit notes
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready digital filing system for all financial records.

Systems, Excel & Automation – Advantageous

• Utilize Advanced Excel skills (e.g., Power Query, Pivot Tables, advanced formulas) to manipulate datasets and automate repetitive manual tasks.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve the integration between operational workflows and Sage Pastel.
• Develop and maintain automated templates for reporting, reconciliations, and data validation to improve group efficiency.
• Serve as a technical “super-user” for Pastel, ensuring the system is utilized to its full capacity.

Reporting & Audit Support

• Prepare monthly management information and ad-hoc reports as requested by the Group Financial Manager.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures, ensuring all journals and allocations are accurate.
• Support the annual audit process by providing accurate schedules and supporting documentation.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 58 years of experience in a Senior Bookkeeping role, preferably within a multi-entity or group environment.
• Expert proficiency in Sage Pastel Partner is essential.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting or Bookkeeping (e.g., BCom, National Diploma, or ICB) is preferred.
• Technically minded, highly organized, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.

Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not receive feedback within 2 weeks of applying.