Client-Facing Accountant

Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg (In-Office, Full-Time) Team: Accounting / Tax Reports to: Senior Management Read this before you apply If your comfort zone is just “capturing” and ticking boxes, this will break you. We are looking for someone who: Understands a client’s business, not just their trial balance Can give clear, practical advice on being more tax‑effective Sees extra scope and opportunities that are not written in the original brief Can sit in front of clients and prospects, talk sense, and win trust Builds processes and structure so monthly deliverables run on rails If you only want a quiet back‑office role, do not apply. About Latita Africa Latita Africa is a specialist tax, legal and advisory firm that works with entrepreneurs, growing companies and high net worth individuals across South Africa and the continent. We focus on: Accounting and tax compliance SARS disputes and tax debt management Corporate and commercial advisory Cross‑border and regulatory structuring We are based in Rosebank, Johannesburg and in a growth phase where structures are being built, not inherited. People who thrive here take ownership, think clearly, and are comfortable with responsibility. The Role This is a dual role : You own the accounting and monthly deliverables for a portfolio of clients, from source to management accounts and year‑end prep. You understand each client’s position and business model, highlight risks and opportunities, suggest tax‑efficient approaches, and identify additional services Latita can provide. You will work closely with the tax and tax‑legal teams, and you will be expected to talk to clients and prospects, not hide behind email. Key Responsibilities Process all transactions from bank, suppliers, customers and payroll into the accounting system Maintain general ledger, debtors and creditors ledgers Perform bank, debtors, creditors, VAT and other control account reconciliations Prepare monthly management accounts and packs for review and discussion with clients Assist with year‑end: working papers, audit packs and draft annual financial statements Invest time to understand each client’s business model, cash flow patterns and tax position Flag inefficiencies, risks and opportunities that impact tax and profitability Prepare clear, practical recommendations on:Cash flow discipline More tax‑efficient structuring (within the scope of your role) Better use of allowable deductions and reliefs Work with the tax and tax‑legal teams to align accounting records with tax strategies and SARS positions Driving Additional Scope & New Business Identify additional work that should be done for existing clients (clean‑ups, restructuring, tax reviews, dispute support, advisory projects) Raise these with management in a structured way (what, why, estimated value, risk) Participate in calls/meetings with new business prospects:Help scope their needs and realities Explain what we can do in simple, direct language Build confidence that Latita can handle their complexity Support basic proposals, quotes and engagement scoping where your input is needed and drive billables. Processes, Systems & Monthly Rhythm Build and maintain simple, repeatable processes and checklists for:Year‑end prep VAT/PAYE cycles Provisionals Income tax Keep files and working papers neat, logical and review‑ready (so anyone can pick up where you left off) Suggest and implement small process improvements that improve turnaround time and quality Use and improve our use of accounting systems (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks online, Pastel etc.), including templates, reports and automation where sensible Client Communication & Relationship Management Communicate proactively with clients on:Missing information Deadlines Risks and issues Have real conversations, not just email chains: calls and meetings when needed Build long‑term relationships so clients see you as their first call on financial and tax questions Minimum Requirements (Non‑Negotiable) If you don’t meet these, don’t apply. Education Relevant accounting qualification, for example: Advanced Certificate / National Diploma in Accounting or similar Experience At least 4–5 years recent, hands‑on accounting/bookkeeping experience, preferably in an accounting or audit practice (multiple clients, not just one company) Proven track record taking clients from raw data/bank statements to:Monthly management accounts Year‑end files Practical experience with VAT and PAYE calculations and submissions, including reconciliations to SARS Technical Skills Comfortable with at least two of: Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, Pastel Strong Excel skills (filters, lookups, pivots advantageous) Solid understanding of accounting principles and the tax impact of common transactions Familiarity with SARS eFiling for VAT, PAYE and Income Tax (or ability to get up to speed fast) Way of Working Able to manage multiple clients and deadlines at once without dropping balls Pays attention to detail, but does not get stuck in perfectionism when decisions are needed Tries to solve and research first, then escalates with a clear, thought‑through question Comfortable in‑client meetings and on calls; can hold their own in a room Preferred (Strong Advantages) Exposure to property, healthcare, professional services or similar SME‑heavy sectors Experience preparing management accounts and board packs, not just basic bookkeeping Experience improving or standardising processes across clients or entities Clear ambition to grow into a more senior client‑facing accountant / portfolio manager role Who This Role Will Suit You will fit this role if: You enjoy both the detail (recons, journals, balances) and the bigger picture (what this means for the client’s business and tax) You are comfortable with responsibility for a set of clients and their deadlines You get a kick out of cleaning up chaos and seeing a proper set of accounts at the end You want exposure to tax, legal and advisory work, not just bookkeeping in a silo You will struggle in this role if: You want to sit behind a screen, with no client contact You need constant supervision or a rigid structure to function You are allergic to change, growth and occasional uncomfortable conversations Package 240k to 320k per annum CTC experiences dependent. How to Apply Email your CV to In your email, answer these two questions briefly: Describe one client where you moved them from “messy and behind” to a clean, on‑time monthly cycle. What exactly did you do? Give one example where you identified additional work/scope or a tax‑efficiency opportunity for a client that was not in the original brief. If you have not heard back within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Seniority level Entry level Employment type Full-time Job function Finance and Sales Industries Business Consulting and Services #J-18808-Ljbffr