SAIPA Accountant at HandPicked Recruitment

Job Overview: 

• Our client, a property business with commercial properties including shopping centres and office blocks in the Johannesburg area, is seeking an experienced SAIPA Accountant to join their team on a permanent basis.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for accounting, tax, SARS compliance, reconciliations, Annual Financial Statements and general financial administration across 11 companies and 3 trusts.
• The role requires a technically strong and highly organised accounting professional with sound South African tax knowledge, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently while managing strict financial and statutory deadlines.
• The successful candidate will report directly to the owner, with support from the Financial Manager at Head Office. Training will be provided on the client's internal accounting and property systems.

Duties, but not limited to:
Accounting & Reconciliations

• Ensure bank accounts are reconciled to bank statements.
• Load and reconcile investment account transactions across the various companies.
• Load trust bank account transactions.
• Reconcile asset and liability general ledger accounts to supporting documentation.
• Prepare and post journals and adjustments, including accruals, prepayments, depreciation and bad debt write-offs.
• Ensure accurate accounting records and zero unexplained suspense balances.
• Maintain accurate and properly backed-up financial documentation.

Tax & SARS Compliance

• Check VAT calculations and reconcile VAT to the General Ledger.
• Check and authorise VAT and PAYE submissions.
• Ensure EMP201 and EMP501 submissions are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare and submit provisional tax calculations and returns.
• Prepare and submit relevant SARS returns, including ITR14, ITR12T and ITR12.
• Prepare DTR01 and DTR02 for dividend tax payments.
• Monitor SARS Statements of Account for VAT, PAYE and provisional/company income tax.
• Manage SARS verification requests and prepare responses for review.
• Assist with objections and requests for remission when required.
• Manage SARS eFiling user roles, access levels, security and tax-type permissions.

Annual Financial Statements & Audit

• Prepare Annual Financial Statement drafts for 11 companies and 3 trusts using existing templates.
• Populate AFS templates using information from the accounting system.
• Submit completed drafts to Maria for review.
• Liaise with auditors during the review process.
• Review auditor drafts and identify any discrepancies or issues.
• Liaise with Maria regarding amendments and queries.
• Coordinate the finalisation and signing of Annual Financial Statements.

Corporate Compliance

• Prepare required secretarial documentation relating to Annual Financial Statements, Annual General Meetings and directors' resolutions.
• Ensure CIPC Beneficial Ownership submissions are completed annually.
• Ensure CIPC Annual Returns are submitted within the required deadlines.
• Liaise with the external secretarial company regarding trust-related matters.

General

• Maintain clear and structured accounting and tax workflows.
• Keep financial and statutory records accurate and up to date.
• Report problems or discrepancies immediately.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling financial and company information.
• Stay informed of relevant South African tax and compliance changes.
• Work closely with Maria and the Financial Manager as required.

Systems

• The successful candidate will work with:
• SARS eFiling – proficiency required
• SAGE Payroll – proficiency required
• Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams
• Quicken – training will be provided
• Internal property invoicing system – training will be provided
• Microsoft Access – advantageous
• Online banking platforms including FNB, Nedbank, ABSA and Standard Bank