Derick
Monthly Accounts Clerk / Bookkeeper – Cape Town (Finance Role Overview)
A well-established accounting and auditing firm in Cape Town is seeking a skilled Monthly Accounts Clerk / Bookkeeper to join its finance team. The role is permanent and focuses on managing multiple client accounts, ensuring accurate bookkeeping up to trial balance level, and supporting monthly financial reporting and compliance processes.
This position is ideal for someone who is experienced in bookkeeping across multiple clients and enjoys working in a structured, deadline-driven financial environment.
Role Purpose
The main purpose of this role is to maintain accurate financial records for various clients and ensure all monthly accounting processes are completed correctly and on time. The Bookkeeper will be responsible for processing financial transactions, reconciling accounts, preparing reports, and assisting with statutory submissions such as VAT and payroll-related returns.
Key Responsibilities
Full Bookkeeping Function (Up to Trial Balance)
- Maintain and update multiple client accounting records
- Process financial transactions accurately into accounting systems
- Prepare and balance ledgers up to trial balance level
- Ensure all financial records are complete and properly documented
Monthly Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly management accounts for clients
- Assist in compiling financial summaries and reports
- Ensure accuracy and consistency of financial data across reporting periods
Tax and Statutory Compliance
- Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time
- Calculate and submit EMP (PAYE, UIF, SDL) returns
- Perform ETI (Employment Tax Incentive) calculations and submissions
- Ensure compliance with SARS requirements and deadlines
Bank and Account Reconciliations
- Perform monthly bank reconciliations for multiple clients
- Reconcile debtor and creditor accounts
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies in financial records
- Maintain accurate cash flow records
Client Financial Support
- Assist in managing client financial records and queries
- Ensure timely processing of client financial data
- Maintain professional communication with clients regarding accounts
Team and Administrative Support
- Assist and guide junior bookkeeping clerks when required
- Ensure proper filing and organisation of financial documents
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling client data
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an accounting, finance, or bookkeeping role
- Experience working up to trial balance level
- Strong knowledge of bookkeeping principles and financial processing
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word)
Advantageous Skills and Experience
- Experience using Sage accounting software and/or Xero
- Experience with SARS systems such as eFiling and EasyFile
- Knowledge of VAT, EMP, and ETI submissions
- Exposure to working with multiple clients simultaneously
Key Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Strong understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles
- High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies
- Strong understanding of financial reporting processes
Work Skills
- Ability to manage multiple client accounts simultaneously
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to meet strict deadlines in a high-pressure environment
Personal Attributes
- Professional and trustworthy behaviour
- Strong sense of responsibility and accountability
- Good communication skills
- Methodical and structured approach to work
- High level of integrity when handling financial information
Working Environment
This role operates within a professional accounting and auditing environment where accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency are critical. The successful candidate will be expected to manage multiple client accounts simultaneously while maintaining high standards of financial reporting and compliance.
The position requires strong discipline and the ability to work under pressure, especially during month-end and tax submission periods.
Conclusion
The Monthly Accounts Clerk / Bookkeeper role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to work in a multi-client accounting environment. It is best suited for someone who is detail-oriented, highly organised, and confident in handling full bookkeeping functions up to trial balance.
Strong technical accounting knowledge combined with the ability to manage deadlines and client expectations will be key to success in this role.
If no feedback is received within the stated timeframe after application, candidates should consider their application unsuccessful.
