Senior Bookkeeper

SUMMARY:
A well known, specialist short-term insurance business is seeking a technically strong, proactive Senior Bookkeeper to join its finance team.
 
The position is responsible for the full accounting function up to and including the independent preparation of monthly management accounts, accurate financial reporting, reconciliations, statutory compliance and audit support.
 
The ideal candidate will have a completed degree, relevant accounting experience and proven hands-on management accounts preparation. This opportunity suits a confident, analytical finance professional with initiative, sound judgement and the ambition to grow within the business.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the general ledger, process journals and maintain accurate financial records.
• Prepare and submit monthly management accounts, including supporting schedules and financial reports.
• Complete month-end close, balance sheet and control account reconciliations.
• Process and review accruals, provisions, prepayments and depreciation; maintain fixed asset registers.
• Analyse financial results, investigate variances and provide meaningful information to management.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, cashbooks, bank reconciliations, payments and expense claims.
• Prepare VAT calculations and submissions and handle PAYE, UIF and other statutory reporting requirements.
• Assist with budgeting, cash flow forecasting and financial planning.
• Prepare audit files, assist with annual financial statements and liaise with external auditors.
• Identify improvements to financial controls, accounting procedures and systems.
• Support insurance-related finance processes, including premium cashbooks and debtor follow-ups, where required.

Key Requirements

• Completed BCom degree (essential).
• 3–5 years’ relevant accounting or senior bookkeeping experience.
• Demonstrable experience independently preparing monthly management accounts (essential).
• Strong month-end, general ledger, balance sheet reconciliation and statutory reporting experience.
• Experience in insurance, financial services or a structured corporate finance environment advantageous.

Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting software, ideally Sage or Pastel.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, journals, accruals, provisions and reconciliations.
• Ability to interpret financial results, investigate variances and produce accurate management reports.

Personal Attributes

• Confident, proactive personality with strong initiative and a desire for professional growth.
• Analytical, meticulous and highly organised, with excellent attention to detail.
• Independent, accountable and capable of meeting demanding month-end deadlines.
• Trustworthy, discreet and able to exercise sound judgement under pressure.

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues, management and external service providers.
• Confident in following up, resolving queries and enforcing financial procedures.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a practical problem-solving approach.

Opportunity