Junior Accountant / Bookkeeper

Job Purpose:

• The Accountant / Bookkeeper will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing daily financial transactions, managing accounts payable and receivable, performing reconciliations, and assisting with financial reporting to ensure the effective financial administration of the business.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Bookkeeping and Financial Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Capture and process daily financial transactions in the accounting system.
• Maintain the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
• Process invoices, payments, receipts, and journal entries.
• Perform bank, supplier, customer, and general ledger reconciliations.
• Ensure that all financial documentation is properly filed and maintained.

Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Process supplier invoices and ensure payments are made within agreed terms.
• Manage customer invoicing, receipts, and outstanding accounts.
• Monitor overdue accounts and follow up on outstanding payments.
• Reconcile supplier and customer statements.
• Resolve billing discrepancies and account queries.

Financial Reporting

• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Prepare trial balances and assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
• Assist with budgeting, cash flow monitoring, and financial forecasting.
• Identify and report financial discrepancies or irregularities.

Tax and Statutory Compliance

• Assist with the preparation and submission of VAT returns.
• Maintain supporting documentation for tax and statutory requirements.
• Assist with SARS-related queries and submissions, where applicable.
• Ensure financial records comply with applicable accounting standards and company policies.
• Assist with audit preparations and provide supporting documentation to auditors.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of financial information.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and procedures.
• Liaise with management, suppliers, customers, auditors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Perform additional finance and administrative duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• A relevant qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or Financial Management will be advantageous.
• Relevant bookkeeping or accounting certification will be an added advantage.

Experience and Skills

• Previous experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or a finance-related role.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and bookkeeping procedures.
• Experience with accounting software such as Sage, Pastel, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer applications.
• Knowledge of VAT, reconciliations, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.

Personal Attributes

• Trustworthy and reliable.
• Detail-oriented and methodical.
• Proactive with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Able to prioritise tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Professional when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.