Accountant

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for an Accountant in Johannesburg from 01 December.

This position will initially be offered as a Fixed Term Part-time contract.

This position

To act as the support between day-to-day accounting operations and strategic financial

support. This role will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, maintain compliance,

support process improvements, and provide operational support to the finance team and

management.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long-term success rate We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turn's Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development-based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Work-readiness programme

The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation

We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and worksite managers, assists clients along the full Life Change journey.

Social Enterprises

Actual work experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn's social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

Financial Accuracy and Compliance

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all accounting records and transactions.
• Review and manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring the timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Ensure the timeous submission of all SARS compliance requirements entities (VAT, EMP201, EMP501, IT3D).
• Maintain proper documentation to support audits, tax filings and regulatory compliance.

Monthly and Annual Reporting

• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly financial reports for management review within agreed timelines.
• Complete monthly account reconciliations, including balance sheet reconciliations, within the first two weeks of each month.
• Ensure monthly, quarterly and annual reports are finalised and shared with both internal and external stakeholders on time.
• Coordinate the annual audit process by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and responding to auditor queries.

Financial Operations and Intercompany Management

• Manage intercompany transactions, including accurate billing, recording, and reconciliation.
• Oversee key monthly finance functions such as payments, recoveries, invoicing, and bank reconciliations.
• Provide daily banking support, ensuring all transactions are authorised, processed, and recorded accurately.

Process Improvement and Collaboration

• Evaluate current finance processes and systems regularly, recommending and Implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and ensure readiness for the future organizational needs.
• Support the implementation and optimization of financial systems to improve departmental reporting and visibility.
• Collaborate with the finance team and other departments to streamline workflows.

Experience and Skills

• Degree, Diploma or finance-related qualification
• SAIPA, SAICA, ACCA, or SIABA articles advantageous
• 3-5 years experience in a finance environment
• Exposure to dealing with SARS (EMP & VAT) and company secretarial functions
• Experience in Non-Profit activity and Projects is preferred
• Experience with XERO, Google Suite and Salesforce

Personal attributes

• Passion for U-turn's mission and values.
• Strong leadership with a collaborative mindset.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

• If in recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and practicing recovery behaviour
• If employed as a Professional - affiliation with a professional board, continued personal development and accessing supervision.
• Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at . The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge and skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL

Job Type: Part-time

Work Location: In person