About the position
Accountant
Join a UK-aligned finance team in Cape Town Office Based, UK Working Hours
Finance & Accounting | R37,000 - R53,000 | Cape Town (CBD) | Full-time, Office Based | 8am - 5pm UK Hours
About Our Client
Our client is a dynamic international business operating with a UK base and a growing Cape Town footprint. They specialize in providing end-to-end business services and financial management support for small to mid-sized UK-based companies. Their Cape Town office plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless execution of core financial functions. The team fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional development in a structured, office-based environment.
The Role: Accountant
This is a full-time, office-based role in Cape Town's CBD, aligned to UK working hours. The Accountant will manage the preparation of quarterly and annual accounts, oversee payroll, and ensure the integrity of financial processes. The ideal candidate will be comfortable acting as a liaison between UK stakeholders and external accountants, ensuring financial compliance and delivering accurate reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare quarterly and annual management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).
- Post accruals, prepayments, and journals (e.g., depreciation, stock adjustments).
- Compile financial packs to support business decision-making.
- Assist with year-end accounts preparation and external audit readiness.
- Liaise with external UK accountants regarding corporation tax and annual filings.
- Respond to reconciliation queries and provide supporting documentation to banks, HMRC, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor daily and monthly cash flow and prepare forward-looking forecasts.
- Ensure ledger integrity by reviewing bookkeeper inputs and correcting discrepancies.
- Supervise bookkeeping staff and review their outputs for accuracy.
- Help draft and refine SOPs to optimize finance process compliance and audit readiness.
- Process and review monthly payrolls, including bonuses, pensions, and deductions.
- Ensure timely FPS/EPS submissions to HMRC and handle all statutory payroll requirements.
- Post payroll journals to Xero and reconcile against bank transactions.
- Maintain up-to-date payroll summaries for reporting and year-end alignment.
About You
- 5+ years of accounting experience, including UK-based financial reporting.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience using Xero daily.
- 3+ years preparing quarterly and annual accounts for UK entities.
- Experience liaising with UK-based accountants, HMRC, and supporting audit/compliance needs.
- Bachelor of Commerce qualification.
- AAT Level 4 certified.
- Certified Xero Advisor.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong numerical skills.
- Comfortable working full-time in an office setting.
- Strong communicator, proactive problem-solver, and team collaborator.
Desired Skills:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Payroll Management
- Compliance
- Audit
- Financial Services
