Senior Accountant
REF: KK691
Market Related Salary
Plattekloof, Western Cape
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring accurate, complete and timely financial reporting by managing month-end accounting, reconciliations, tax and audit support, stock and cash-related financial controls and management reporting. You will support the Financial Manager with analysis, budgeting and process improvements that strengthen financial governance, compliance and decision making in a high-volume QSR/retail environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Reporting & Month-End Close:
Preparing accurate monthly management accounts, income statement and balance sheet schedules
Processing journals, accruals and provisions in line with month-end deadlines
Reviewing general ledger transactions for completeness, accuracy and correct classification
Maintaining supporting working papers for all key financial reporting balances
Supporting drafting of annual financial statements and related schedules
Reconciliations & Balance Sheet Control:
Preparing and reviewing monthly balance sheet reconciliations, including creditors, stock, cashbook and VAT control accounts
Investigating reconciling items, resolving exceptions and escalating long-outstanding issues
Ensuring reconciliations are supported by valid documentation and completed within agreed deadlines
Monitoring accuracy and integrity of financial transactions and account allocations
Maintaining audit-ready files and evidence for key reconciliations
Tax, Statutory & Audit Support:
Preparing VAT reconciliations, submissions and payment packs for review
Assisting with income tax, provisional tax and deferred tax calculations and schedules
Supporting SARS, external audit, franchisor and statutory audit requests with accurate schedules and explanations
Ensuring tax and statutory records are complete, accurate and filed on time
Tracking audit queries through to resolution
Stock, Inventory & Cost Controls:
Processing and reconciling stock-related transactions accurately and timeously
Supporting stock take procedures and analysing weekly, monthly and annual stock results
Investigating stock variances and providing clear explanations for management review
Maintaining controls over inventory accounting, cost allocations and related journals
Assisting operational teams with stock reporting requirements
Budgeting, Forecasting & Management Analysis:
Assisting with the annual budget process and periodic forecast updates
Preparing cost and revenue analysis to support management decision-making
Importing approved budgets into the accounting system and validating accuracy
Preparing cash flow inputs, turnover rental schedules and other management schedules when required
Highlighting material variances, risks and opportunities to the Financial Manager
Systems, Process Improvement & Compliance:
Processing financial transactions accurately in Sage Evolution and related systems
Identifying opportunities to streamline, standardise or automate finance processes
Maintaining compliance with company policies, internal controls and finance deadlines
Supporting continuous improvement of reporting templates, reconciliations and procedures
Safeguarding the quality, integrity and confidentiality of finance data
Stakeholder Support & Team Collaboration:
Providing reliable financial information and support to the Financial Manager and senior stakeholders
Communicating clearly with operations, creditors, payroll and other internal teams to resolve queries
Assisting with internal, external and franchisor information requests as required
Sharing knowledge and supporting junior or operational team members where needed
REQUIREMENTS:
B.Com degree with completed articles and minimum 5 years post article experience
Professional certifications preferred (AGA, SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
5–8+ years of treasury/ revenue reconciliation/ cash management, or corporate finance experience
Experience in QSR, retail, FMCG, or multi-unit franchise environments is highly preferred
Strong understanding of high-volume cash transactions and POS/merchant settlement processes