Senior Accountant

Job Purpose

The Accountant will play a key role in supporting the financial operations of the business,

with a strong focus on retail store accounting, financial accuracy, and compliance. This

position is responsible for managing core accounting functions, overseeing reconciliations,

preparing financial reports, analyzing variances, and ensuring effective financial controls

across multiple retail locations. The role requires strong technical accounting capability, the

ability to work independently, and a proactive approach to improving processes in a fast-

paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

● Prepare and review monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, and

adjustments

● Perform detailed variance analysis on income statements, store expenses, and stock-

related movements

● Maintain balance sheet schedules and ensure all accounts are reconciled and supported

monthly

● Assist with annual financial statements and audit preparation

● Prepare VAT reconciliations and support tax submissions

Retail & Store Accounting

● Oversee daily sales processing and ensure accuracy of store takings

● Review and approve payment reconciliations (online but not limited to)

● Investigate discrepancies and work with operation managers to resolve issues promptly

● Manage stock accounting entries, including shrinkage, write-offs, and stock adjustments

● Support inventory audits and assist with stock loss reporting and analysis

Accounts Payable & Supplier Management

● Review and oversee supplier invoices, credit notes, and payments

● Review and oversee supplier reconciliations and resolve discrepancies

● Oversee of creditor / debtor aging and recons

● Ensure adherence to internal controls for expenditure approval

Financial Controls & Compliance

● Maintain and update the fixed asset register, including additions, disposals, and

depreciation

● Implement and enforce accounting controls across stores and internal teams

● Identify gaps in financial processes and recommend improvements

Operational & Team Support

● Provide financial guidance to operation managers

● Oversee temps or junior staff and delegating work tasks

● Oversee temps and junior staff involved in daily capturing and basic reconciliations

● Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes

● Support month-end and year-end close processes

● Manage large volumes of data with accuracy and consistency

Requirements & Qualifications

● National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (BCom

Advantageous)

● 3–5 years' accounting experience, ideally in retail, FMCG, or multi-branch operations

● Strong experience with Xero or similar cloud-based systems

● Strong understanding of retail transactions, POS systems, and payment reconciliation

processes

● Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis)

● Strong numerical accuracy and high attention to detail

● Experience preparing management accounts and performing variance analysis

● Ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements

● Strong communication skills with the ability to engage non-financial stakeholders

● Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and handle high-volume

environments

Key Competencies

● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

● High level of accuracy and attention to detail

● Solid understanding of accounting standards and principles

● Excellent organisational and time management skills

● Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

● Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-driven

● Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities

● Experience working with large volumes of data (essential)

● Experience in a start-up or high-growth environment is advantageous

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: R30 000,00 - R40 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Have you worked in a remote setting before

Education:

• Certificate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Accounting software: 3 years (Required)
• Payroll software: 1 year (Preferred)

Location:

• Cape Town, Western Cape (Preferred)

Work Location: In person