About the position
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and driven Accounting Department Manager to lead and oversee our Accounting and Payroll Department based in Randburg.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team of accountants, bookkeepers, and payroll administrators while ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of accounting, payroll, taxation, and compliance services to clients.
This role is ideally suited to a professional who is working towards becoming a registered Tax Practitioner and possesses a strong understanding of South African taxation, accounting principles, and client relationship management.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Pastel Accounting
- Sage Accounting
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Microsoft Word
- Sound understanding of South African tax legislation and SARS processes
- Working knowledge of:
- Individual Income Tax
- VAT
- PAYE
- Payroll Compliance
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of accountants, bookkeepers, and payroll administrators.
- Review work completed by junior and intermediate staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Allocate workloads and monitor team performance against deadlines.
- Provide ongoing training, coaching, and technical support to team members.
- Assist with the recruitment, onboarding, and development of staff.
Accounting & Financial Management
- Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
- Review reconciliations, journals, and accounting records.
- Ensure accurate processing of accounting transactions in accordance with accounting standards.
- Assist with the preparation and review of annual financial statements.
- Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes and internal controls.
Tax Compliance
- Manage and oversee SARS compliance matters for clients.
- Review VAT, PAYE, and Income Tax submissions.
- Assist with SARS audits, verifications, objections, and related correspondence.
- Prepare and review Individual Income Tax Returns (ITR12s).
- Provide guidance on tax planning and compliance matters.
- Continue progression towards registration as a Tax Practitioner.
Client Relationship Management
- Serve as a senior point of contact for clients.
- Attend client meetings and provide accounting and tax-related guidance.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships.
- Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field.
- Currently studying towards, or intending to register as, a Tax Practitioner.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years' accounting experience.
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Previous experience within an accounting practice environment is essential.
- Strong exposure to taxation and compliance matters.
Technical Competencies
- Strong working knowledge of Pastel Accounting.
- Strong working knowledge of Sage Accounting.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
- Good Microsoft Word proficiency.
- Sound understanding of South African tax legislation and SARS processes.
- Working knowledge of Individual Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, and payroll compliance.
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
- Professional communication and client relationship management skills.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
- Timely completion of client accounting work.
- Accuracy of financial records and reporting.
- Compliance with SARS and statutory deadlines.
- Payroll accuracy and compliance.
- Team productivity and development.
- Client satisfaction and retention.
- Process improvement and operational efficiency.
What We Offer
- Competitive market-related salary.
- Professional development and support towards Tax Practitioner registration.
- Leadership opportunities within a growing accounting practice.
- Exposure to a diverse client portfolio.
- Supportive, collaborative, and professional working environment.
***Salary - R22,000.00 - R28,000.00 (Negotiable, based on skills, experience and in relation to current package)
Desired Skills:
- Account Department Manager
