Group Accountant – International Property & Hospitality

About the job

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and hands-on accountant to take responsibility for the financial accounting, reporting and compliance functions of a privately owned international property portfolio and two hotels in Scotland.

This is a varied role requiring someone who is comfortable managing multiple companies, working across different jurisdictions and taking ownership of deadlines, financial controls and reporting. We are looking for more than a bookkeeper: the successful candidate must be able to identify discrepancies, question financial information and implement practical systems to improve accuracy, efficiency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting, Tax & Statutory Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records for the group's international property interests and UK hotel operations.
• Prepare management accounts, reconciliations and financial reports, including monthly profit and loss statements for the hotels.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns in the UK, South Africa and Mauritius.
• Prepare and coordinate tax returns and related statutory submissions across the relevant jurisdictions.
• Manage company filings and statutory compliance with Companies House (UK), CIPC (South Africa) and the relevant Mauritian authorities.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors and tax advisers in the UK, South Africa and Mauritius.
• Maintain and actively manage a weekly, monthly and annual compliance calendar, ensuring that all reporting, filing and payment deadlines are met.

Hotel Financial Management & Controls

• Attend hotel management meetings and provide meaningful financial information to support operational decisions.
• Monitor hotel profitability, costs, margins and expenditure against budgets and expectations.
• Oversee stock counts, stock reconciliations and associated financial controls.
• Identify financial discrepancies, unusual transactions and control weaknesses, investigate their causes and implement appropriate corrective measures.
• Oversee leave accruals and reconcile employee leave records with payroll software.
• Work closely with hotel management to improve financial reporting, cost control and operational accountability.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a broad accounting role, ideally involving multiple companies or business interests.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero and BrightPay would be a recommendation.
• Competence in online statutory filing systems and government portals.
• Sound understanding of VAT, payroll reconciliations, management accounting and financial controls.
• Experience in hospitality, property investment or international business structures would be a distinct advantage.
• Relevant accounting qualifications or substantial demonstrable experience.

The Person We Are Looking For

You will need to be:

• Exceptionally organised and methodical, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines and recurring compliance obligations.
• Proactive and independent, able to take responsibility for getting things done without constant supervision.
• Analytical and detail-orientated, with the confidence to question figures and investigate discrepancies.
• Comfortable working under pressure when required, particularly around month-end reporting and statutory deadlines.
• Highly adaptable, with a flexible approach to working hours to accommodate operational requirements and businesses across different jurisdictions.
• A practical problem-solver who can develop, document and improve accounting and administrative systems.
• A clear communicator, capable of working effectively with management, operational staff and professional advisers.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take responsibility for the accounting function of a diverse international business group, with considerable variety, autonomy and direct involvement in operational and financial decision-making.

Location: Johannesburg

Remuneration: Competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• To apply: Please submit your CV, details of your relevant experience and salary expectations to info@parnis.co.za

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT HEAR FROM US WITHIN 7 DAYS OF SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE ASSUME YOU HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Johannesburg, Gauteng: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• What experience do you have with VAT returns, payroll reconciliations, management accounts and statutory compliance?
• How confident are you using Xero?

Please rate yourself from 1–10 and briefly describe what you currently use it for.

Experience:

• Accounting: 5 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Johannesburg, Gauteng (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Johannesburg, Gauteng