Accountant (Manufacturing)

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Accountant to join their team in Stellenbosch. This role offers full ownership of the financial function for a production operation, ranging from day-to-day processing and VAT submissions to the drafting of annual financial statements and complex cost accounting.

Key Responsibilities

• Processing and Reconciliations: Manage the full transactional cycle including creditors, debtors, bank, and cash; perform three-way matching for supplier invoices and oversee credit control and intercompany reconciliations.
• Fixed Asset Management: Maintain the fixed asset register, including plant and machinery additions, depreciation, and disposals.
• Stock and Cost Accounting: Reconcile raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; support stock counts, investigate variances, and analyze production margins and cost of sales.
• VAT Compliance: Prepare and submit VAT201 returns, ensuring correct treatment for local sales, zero-rated exports, and capital goods claims, while managing SARS correspondence and audits.
• Financial Reporting: Draft annual financial statements (AFS) under IFRS for SMEs, prepare audit working papers, and liaise with external auditors.
• Taxation: Prepare income tax computations, provisional tax estimates, and deferred tax calculations, including manufacturing-specific capital allowances.
• Management Reporting: Produce monthly management accounts, budget-versus-actual reports, and provide insights on yield and cost-per-unit analysis to support operations.

Requirements

• Education: B.Com Accounting or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Articles: Completed SAIPA articles are essential.
• Experience: Proven experience in full-function accounting, including transaction processing, VAT submissions, and drafting AFS from trial balance.
• Tax Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of income tax, provisional tax, and deferred tax calculations.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using ERP or accounting software (e.g., Sage, Pastel, SAP, or Xero).
• Industry Knowledge: Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment is highly advantageous, specifically regarding inventory costing and stock valuation.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of IFRS for SMEs and South African tax legislation.
• Attributes: Exceptional attention to detail, the ability to meet strict month-end deadlines, and strong communication skills for engaging with both operations and external stakeholders.

What’s on Offer

• The opportunity to take ownership of a financial function within a dynamic production environment.
• Exposure to complex accounting areas including imports/exports, foreign exchange, and manufacturing incentives.
• A market-related remuneration package based on experience.
• A professional working environment based in the scenic Stellenbosch region.