Senior Bookkeeper

A progressive financial compliance and advisory practice is looking for an experienced Senior Bookkeeper to join their growing team as soon as possible. This position is being offered as an initial 3-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension and permanency for the right candidate. This is a full-time, office-based role (08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday) with some flexibility offered around lunch hours. The firm works with SMMEs, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth clients, providing bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and payroll services tailored to each client. This role is suited to a seasoned bookkeeper who can manage multiple client accounts independently, deliver accurate financial information, and contribute to the firm’s continued growth. Responsibilities: Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting Manage weekly and monthly bookkeeping across multiple client accounts. Perform bank reconciliations and cashbook processing across various accounting platforms. Prepare monthly management reports including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, debtors, creditors, VAT reports, and general ledger reconciliations. Process accounting journals and manage a high volume of client books accurately and timeously. Attend client meetings and maintain professional, trusted client relationships. Submit approved monthly reports to clients in line with agreed deadlines. Payroll Process monthly and weekly payrolls, including payslips, payroll reconciliations, leave reports, EMP201s, and payroll analyses. Liaise with clients to gather payroll inputs and resolve payroll-related queries. Tax & Compliance Prepare and submit VAT201, EMP201, EMP501 returns and IRP5s. Manage UIF submissions and uFiling registrations. Assist with SARS reviews and audits for VAT, PAYE, Income Tax, and Provisional Tax. Stay up to date with South African tax legislation and regulatory changes. Ad-hoc & Client Support Support senior management with ad hoc bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and eFiling work. Assist with onboarding new clients and setting up structured digital client files. Maintain meticulous records and ensure tasks are tracked and documented. Contribute to process improvements and operational efficiencies. Play an active role in supporting the continued growth of the firm. Requirements Diploma, Degree, or professional certification in Bookkeeping, Accounting, or related field. 5–10 years’ experience in a bookkeeping/accounting role within a practice environment. Proven ability to manage multiple client accounts independently, including high-net-worth clients. Highly proficient in Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, SimplePay, SARS eFiling, uFiling, and EasyFile (Pastel Accounting/Payroll advantageous). Strong understanding of accounting principles and South African tax legislation. Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and time management. Confident, professional communicator with a client-focused mindset. Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work autonomously and proactively. Benefits