South Africa: Senior Accountant posted by Staff Solutions

The Senior Accountant plays a key role in managing client relationships, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing complex financial transactions, and mentoring junior staff.

This position contributes significantly to the overall efficiency, performance, and development of the accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

Client Management & Compliance

• Manage work and maintain professional relationships with assigned clients.
• Ensure clients remain compliant with all applicable regulations, including timely submissions and registrations.
• Provide both technical and customer support, with a focus on planning and financial optimisation.
• Address and resolve client service issues and complaints promptly and professionally.

Tax & Business Consulting

• Conduct strategic tax planning and oversee final reviews of group tax submissions before submission to SARS.
• Provide expert advice on business structures, compliance obligations, and implementation strategies.
• Prepare and maintain group structure planning documents across all managed clients.
• Annually review legal documents such as leases, loan agreements, and wills.
• Support estate planning and perform reviews of client estate plans.

Financial Reporting & Auditing

• Review working papers and financial statements for accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee monthly management account preparation and review for accuracy.
• Complete SARS income tax audits and prepare financial documentation (cash flows, budgets, management accounts) for banking purposes.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external audit teams to complete audit engagements.
• Conduct independent reviews in accordance with applicable standards.

Special Projects

• Lead due diligence assessments and produce restructuring reports.
• Manage high-level financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructures.
• Oversee complex accounts, including group entities, divisions, branches, and consolidated reports.

Team Leadership & Training

• Coach, mentor, appraise, and support junior accounting staff.
• Plan, allocate, and supervise work across the team.
• Ensure that all qualified accountants maintain up-to-date CPD hours and remain in good standing with professional bodies.

Annual Planning & Budgeting

• Lead annual budget planning processes and review client quotes and proposals.

Policy & Process Documentation

• Document and maintain up-to-date policies, workflows, and procedures within designated areas of responsibility.

Key Performance Areas

• Timely and accurate completion of work within budgeted hours and deadlines.
• Achieve a minimum of 95% productivity for non-administrative staff.
• Effective training, development, and support of junior team members.
• Successful execution of planning, task assignment, and team supervision.
• High-level performance in managing complex financial and tax matters.
• Comprehensive understanding of foreign tax implications for local clients.
• Strong grasp of corporate and contract law.
• Oversight of complex and high-value client accounts, including estate planning activities.

Core Competencies

• Ability to coordinate, manage, and promote the Company’s full suite of services to clients.
• Deep expertise in taxation, estate planning, and financial reporting.
• Solid understanding of commercial and contract law.
• Strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and collaborative team player.
• Proactive and results-driven mindset.
• High integrity, reliability, and efficiency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional presence with strong interpersonal skills.
• Responsive and able to thrive in dynamic environments.

Education & Experience

• Qualified: SAIPA, SAICA, or AGA.
• Relevant tertiary degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Proven track record in a senior accounting or financial leadership role.

Key Skills

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and management best practices.
• Proficient in accounting systems, Microsoft Excel, and the full MS Office suite; experience with financial drafting software is a plus.