Senior Bookkeeper

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented and proactive Senior Bookkeeper to manage the complete finance function across two growing businesses. The successful candidate will be responsible for full-cycle bookkeeping, statutory compliance, payroll, inventory control, financial reporting, cash flow management, and preparing the businesses for annual audits.

This is a hands-on role requiring a self-motivated individual who can work independently, maintain financial accuracy, and provide management with timely and reliable financial information.

Experience working with major South African retailers such as Pick n Pay, Checkers and Dis-Chem is highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Manage the full bookkeeping function for two businesses.
• Process and reconcile all financial transactions.
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries.
• Maintain the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly trial balances.
• Produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Assist with budgeting and financial analysis.
• Ensure accurate financial records are maintained at all times.

Debtors & Creditors

• Manage the complete debtors and creditors functions.
• Process customer invoices and supplier payments.
• Perform debtor collections and follow up on overdue accounts.
• Reconcile customer and supplier accounts.
• Resolve account queries promptly.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Stock Control

• Manage and process monthly and annual stock takes.
• Reconcile physical stock counts to accounting records.
• Investigate and resolve stock variances.
• Process stock journals and inventory adjustments.
• Ensure inventory records are accurate and support operational requirements.

Cash Flow Management

• Prepare and monitor weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts.
• Manage payment schedules.
• Monitor cash inflows and outflows.
• Optimise working capital across both businesses.
• Provide recommendations to improve cash flow.

Payroll & Statutory Compliance

• Process monthly payroll.
• Submit PAYE, UIF and SDL returns.
• Prepare and submit EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Assist with income tax administration.
• Manage CIPC annual returns and company statutory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with SARS and all relevant legislation.

Retail Account Management

• Manage trading accounts with major retailers.
• Process retailer claims, deductions, rebates and reconciliations.
• Resolve retailer account discrepancies.
• Understand retailer trading terms and payment cycles.
• Experience with Pick n Pay, Checkers and Dis-Chem trading accounts is preferred.

Financial Reporting & Audit Preparation

• Prepare monthly financial reports for management.
• Prepare year-end reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Prepare all documentation required for annual external audits.
• Liaise with external accountants and auditors.
• Respond to audit queries and ensure audit readiness.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance or Bookkeeping.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years’ experience in a senior bookkeeping role.
• Proven experience managing the complete bookkeeping function independently.
• Experience managing finances for multiple businesses.
• Strong knowledge of VAT, payroll, PAYE, EMP201, EMP501, income tax and CIPC compliance.
• Experience with journal processing and month-end procedures.
• Experience managing stock takes and inventory reconciliations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with accounting software such as Sage, Xero, Pastel or QuickBooks.

Preferred Experience

• FMCG, manufacturing, wholesale or retail industry experience.
• Experience managing accounts for Pick n Pay, Checkers and Dis-Chem.
• Strong debt collection experience.
• Sage Evolution
• Sage Pastel Payroll
• Supplier management and negotiations.
• Cash flow forecasting and financial planning.
• Experience preparing businesses for annual external audits.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive mindset.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A-Team Player
• Own Transport

Remuneration

• Salary: R 30,000 - R35,000 CTC per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Full-time, permanent position.

Pay: R30 000,00 - R35 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• What tools, software, or systems listed in the job post have you used professionally?

Education:

• Bachelors (Preferred)

Experience:

• Full bookkeeping: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Bookkeeping Certificate or Diploma (Required)

Work Location: In person