Accountant, Financial Reporting, Tax Accountant

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking, on behalf of our client, a Accountant (SAIPA) to join their team based in Gauteng.

This office-based role is suited to a SAIPA-qualified accountant who has completed their articles and has a minimum of two years’ experience within a firm. The position focuses primarily on preparing work papers, compiling financial statements, and supporting audit and compliance processes, ensuring accuracy, adherence to accounting standards, and high-quality financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review financial statements for clients across various industries.
• Compile and maintain working papers supporting financial reporting.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of client accounting records.
• Assist in audit engagements, including preparation of schedules and responding to queries.
• Support tax compliance and statutory filings, including VAT and income tax submissions.
• Liaise directly with clients to gather information and resolve accounting queries.
• Review and mentor junior staff or trainees, ensuring work quality.
• Apply SA accounting standards (IFRS/GRAP) in day-to-day work.
• Prepare reconciliations, trial balances, and account analyses.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting where required by clients.
• Identify financial discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Support special projects or ad-hoc client requests.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with professional ethics.
• Contribute to process improvements within the firm’s accounting practices.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to clients and junior staff.

• Matric certificate.
• Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• SAIPA membership.
• Completion of articles
• Minimum 2 years experience within a firm.
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and statutory compliance.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Accounting
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong knowledge of IFRS/GRAP, financial statements, reconciliations, and statutory compliance.
• Analytical Thinking:
  Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Attention to Detail:
  Ensures accuracy in work papers, financial statements, and audits.
• Problem-Solving:
  Capable of resolving complex accounting and client-related issues.
• Client Management:
  Strong interpersonal and communication skills for liaising with clients and resolving queries.
• Leadership & Mentoring:
  Ability to guide and review the work of junior staff and trainees.
• Time Management:
  Effectively prioritizes tasks and meets deadlines under pressure.
• Ethical & Professional Conduct:
  Maintains confidentiality and adherence to SAIPA and professional standards.
• IT Proficiency:
  Competent in accounting software (Pastel, Quick Books, Sage, or similar) and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Adaptability:
  Able to handle multiple clients, industries, and ad-hoc projects.
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  Works effectively with colleagues to ensure quality deliverables.