Head of Accounting

To qualify for this position you need:

• Professional Accountant (SA) registered (SAIPA) / CA(SA) registered with SAICA.
• Minimum 10 years post-articles experience in a practice management role (preferred).
• Sound understanding of property investment companies and trust structures, including tax optimisation and wealth planning for clients.
• Proficiency in accounting and AFS compilation software (e.g. Xero, Draftworx, or similar) and Microsoft Excel is required.
• Ability to perform without constant supervision.
• Self-motivated and ability to perform under pressure.
• Experience in managing a large team of professionals.
• Planning, coordinating and prioritizing.
• Strong leadership presence with excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of accuracy across the team.
• High attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Bilingual in English / Afrikaans
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

• Support the head of the department in running of the firm to ensure proper functioning of all services such as accounting, income tax, VAT, and clients’ business accounting.
• Ensure proper functioning of the accounting team.
• Support the head of department with frequent check-in discussions with other heads of department to ensure alignment across entities within the Group.
• Manage client portfolios and maintain sound client relationships.
• Provide clients with guidance by implementing trusts as well as corporate and commercial structures to optimise tax benefits, wealth creation and risk mitigation.
• Working with bond originators to ensure timely submission of requested solvency letters and other ad-hoc requirements. This includes bulk timeline management on various developments.
• Review and sign off on client financial statements prepared by accountants, where applicable.
• Prepare annual financial statements according to IFRS and SMEs, where applicable.
• VAT reviews and submissions for allocated client portfolio.
• Provide guidance to accountants on more intricate tax and accounting queries.
• Timely submission of all deliverables and accurate financial record-keeping.

• Lead, manage and develop a team of SAIPA registered accountants and trainees.
• Lead team meetings, training sessions and award ceremonies.
• Arrange and schedule frequent team training sessions.
• Supervise the Performance Review and Feedback process.

• All tasks related to the SAIPA Training Centre Overall Evaluator role.