SUMMARY:
This role requires a hands-on professional capable of taking processing from source documents right up to financial statements, along with managing full statutory compliance (VAT, PAYE, UI19, EMP201/501).

POSITION INFO:

Bookkeeper / Accountant

Location: Knysna, Western Cape

Position Type: Full-time

Remuneration: R15,000 – R20,000 per month (Cost to Company, negotiable based on experience)

About the Role

We are an established accounting and tax consultancy firm located in Knysna, delivering professional financial services to a diverse range of local and regional clients. We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Bookkeeper / Accountant to manage a varied portfolio of clients ranging from small local businesses to larger commercial entities.

This role requires a hands-on professional capable of taking processing from source documents right up to financial statements, along with managing full statutory compliance (VAT, PAYE, UI19, EMP201/501).

Key Responsibilities

Client Portfolio Management

• Day-to-Day Processing: Capture and reconcile income, expenditure, bank statements, supplier accounts, and petty cash for assigned clients.

• VAT Administration: Prepare, reconcile, and submit bi-monthly and monthly VAT201 returns via SARS eFiling.

• Payroll Processing: Process monthly/weekly payrolls, calculate PAYE, UIF, and SDL, generate payslips, and submit EMP201 returns.

• Reconciliations: Perform comprehensive monthly balance sheet, bank, and ledger reconciliations.

• Statutory Submissions: Prepare and submit EMP501 bi-annual reconciliations and generate IRP5 certificates.

• Management Accounts: Draft accurate monthly or quarterly management accounts for client review.

• Financial Statements: Prepare draft Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (compilation level).

• Tax Administration: Assist with SARS queries, audits, verifications, and tax clearance applications.

Requirements & Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Bookkeeping, or Financial Management (ICB, BCom, or equivalent preferred).

• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of full-function bookkeeping/accounting experience within an accounting firm / professional services firm environment.

• Location: Must be currently residing in or willing to relocate to Knysna at own expense.

Technical Skills

• Proven proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage Business Cloud / Pastel Partner, Xero, or QuickBooks).

• Strong working knowledge of SARS eFiling and File.

• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., Sage Pay, Pastel Payroll, VIP, or SimplePay).

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Core Competencies

• Ability to handle multiple client portfolios and meet tight compliance deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) for direct client interaction.

• Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and problem-solving abilities.

• Professional demeanor and high ethical standards.

What We Offer

• Competitive market-related salary (R15,000 – R20,000 CTC depending on skills and experience).

• Stable working environment in the heart of the Garden Route.

• Exposure to diverse industries and client business structures.