Staff Accountant – Cape Town based. Full-Time Remote Independent Contractor | US-Clients

Our client is a growing US-based accounting firm that primarily serves non-profit organisations. They are looking for a full-time Staff Accountant / Full-Charge Bookkeeper to join their remote team. Person must be based in and around Cape Town. Although the job is remote job the firm doe hve a presence in Cape Town and the owner may want to meet people at the office when necessary.

This is not a basic bookkeeping or data-capturing position. We are looking for someone with a strong accounting foundation who can take a set of books through the full month-end process and produce accurate financial records up to balance sheet level.

The successful candidate must understand accrual-based accounting and be comfortable working with concepts such as deferred income, accrued expenses, prepayments, balance sheet reconciliations, restricted funds and month-end adjusting journals.

You should be proactive, eager to develop professionally and comfortable communicating directly with US-based clients from the beginning. Near-native spoken and written English is essential, as you will regularly lead client conversations, request supporting information, explain accounting matters and provide financial updates.

This is a full-time remote independent contractor position offering long-term growth, direct mentorship from the firm owner and the opportunity to take increasing responsibility for a portfolio of clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the bookkeeping and accounting records of US-based clients, primarily non-profit organisations.
• Progress towards independently managing a portfolio of approximately 10–15 clients.
• Maintain accurate accounting records in QuickBooks Online.
• Process and review customer receipts, supplier bills, expenses, journals and other accounting transactions.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, payment platforms and relevant balance sheet accounts.
• Complete month-end accounting procedures, including accruals, prepayments, deferred income and adjusting journal entries.
• Review the general ledger and investigate unusual, incomplete or incorrectly classified transactions.
• Maintain supporting schedules for key balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Communicate directly with clients to request information, answer questions and provide progress updates.
• Identify and report accounting issues, missing documentation and discrepancies before they become larger problems.
• Recommend process improvements as you become familiar with each client’s accounting systems and operations.
• Support the owner and senior team members with year-end preparation and other accounting assignments.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Preferably a degree, diploma or recognised qualification in accounting, finance or a related field.
• Three to five years of practical bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage accounting records through to trial balance and balance sheet level.
• Sound understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and accrual-based accounting.
• Experience preparing or reviewing accruals, prepayments, deferred income and month-end journals.
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks Online.
• Strong spoken and written English, preferably at near-native level.
• Confidence communicating directly with international clients.
• Ability to explain financial matters clearly and professionally.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify errors or inconsistencies.
• A proactive working style, with the confidence to ask questions and raise concerns early.
• Reliable follow-through and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Reliable internet access and a professional home-office setup.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with US-based clients.
• Understanding of US GAAP.
• Experience working with non-profit organisations.
• Familiarity with fund accounting, donor restrictions, grants or restricted and unrestricted income.
• Experience using Bill.com or similar accounts payable platforms.
• Experience assisting with monthly financial reporting and year-end preparation.

English and Client Communication

Excellent English communication is a core requirement for this position.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate actively in client meetings, ask clear questions, follow up on outstanding matters and communicate accounting issues confidently and professionally.

Applicants may be required to complete both a spoken English assessment and a written communication assessment as part of the recruitment process.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position: 40 hours per week.
• Remote independent contractor arrangement.
• Core availability required between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM US Eastern Time, subject to final confirmation.
• Remaining hours may be completed flexibly, provided deadlines and client requirements are met.
• Candidates must be comfortable working hours that overlap with the United States.

Compensation and Growth

• Monthly compensation: R16,000 to R21,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Ongoing performance and compensation reviews.
• Direct mentorship from the firm owner.
• Opportunity to progress into a more senior accounting or client-management position.
• Long-term opportunity for someone who demonstrates technical competence, reliability and ownership.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is more than a bookkeeper who processes transactions.

You should understand how transactions affect the income statement and balance sheet, be able to identify when an accrual or adjustment is required and take responsibility for ensuring that the accounts are complete and accurate.

You will be successful in this role if you:

• Take ownership of your assigned clients.
• Communicate confidently and professionally.
• Meet deadlines without constant supervision.
• Ask thoughtful questions when something is unclear.
• Identify accounting problems before being asked.
• Produce accurate month-end accounts.
• Show a genuine desire to learn and grow.
• Build trusted professional relationships with clients and colleagues.

This position is best suited to an accountant or experienced full-charge bookkeeper who wants to develop within a growing international accounting firm and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Pay: R17 000,00 - R22 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• On 1 March 2026, a SaaS company receives R120,000 from a customer for a 12-month software subscription covering the period 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027.

The full amount is received into the company’s bank account on 1 March 2026.

Please provide:

The journal entry that should be recorded on 1 March 2026 when the payment is received.
The monthly journal entry required to recognise the revenue over the subscription period.
The dates on which the monthly revenue entries should be recorded.
The deferred revenue balance that should appear on the balance sheet at 31 May 2026.

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Location:

• Western Cape (Required)

Work Location: Remote