Accountant - Restaurant Group

Job Purpose

The Accountant is responsible for overseeing the financial accounting, reporting, compliance, and internal controls for the restaurant group. The role ensures accurate financial records, timely reporting, effective cost control, and compliance with all statutory and tax requirements. The Accountant will work closely with restaurant managers and senior management to support sound financial decision-making and profitability across all restaurants.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting

• Maintain accurate and complete accounting records for all restaurants within the group.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Perform month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Prepare and post journal entries.
• Monitor cash flow across all business units.

Accounts Payable

• Verify supplier invoices for accuracy.
• Ensure suppliers are paid according to agreed terms.
• Reconcile supplier statements.
• Resolve supplier account queries.
• Monitor outstanding liabilities.

Accounts Receivable

• Monitor customer accounts.
• Follow up on outstanding balances.
• Reconcile debtor accounts.
• Process customer payments and credit notes where applicable.

Payroll Support

• Verify payroll information before processing.
• Reconcile payroll journals.
• Ensure statutory payroll deductions are accurately recorded.
• Assist with payroll audits where required.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Review stock reports from all restaurants.
• Reconcile inventory variances.
• Analyse food and beverage cost percentages.
• Monitor stock losses and wastage.
• Assist with inventory count procedures.
• Prepare inventory valuation reports.

Cash Management

• Reconcile daily sales and banking.
• Investigate cash shortages or overages.
• Review cash-up reports from each restaurant.
• Monitor petty cash.
• Ensure banking procedures are followed.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in preparing annual budgets.
• Monitor departmental expenditure.
• Compare actual performance against budget.
• Prepare financial forecasts.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities.

Financial Reporting

Prepare and distribute:

• Monthly management accounts
• Profit and Loss statements
• Balance Sheets
• Cash Flow Statements
• Budget variance reports
• Restaurant performance reports
• KPI dashboards

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with South African tax legislation.
• Prepare VAT returns.
• Assist with PAYE and UIF reconciliations.
• Assist with annual financial statements.
• Liaise with auditors.
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies.

Internal Controls

• Implement and monitor financial controls.
• Identify financial risks.
• Recommend process improvements.
• Ensure segregation of duties.
• Assist with fraud prevention measures.

Restaurant Support

• Work closely with Restaurant Managers.
• Provide financial guidance to operational teams.
• Analyse restaurant profitability.
• Assist managers in understanding financial reports.
• Monitor labour and operating costs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accurate monthly financial reporting
• Timely completion of month-end close
• Accurate VAT and statutory submissions
• Supplier payments made on time
• Reduction in inventory variances
• Budget compliance
• Cash reconciliation accuracy
• Audit readiness
• Improved restaurant profitability
• Compliance with company financial policies

QualificationsEssential

• Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Accounting, Finance or equivalent.
• Professional accounting qualification or progress towards one (advantageous).

Preferred

• SAIPA, SAICA, CIMA or ACCA affiliation (advantageous).

Pay: Up to R30 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person