Description
The Portfolio Accountant is an entry-level position suited to a candidate who has recently completed their SAICA or SAIPA articles. You will be responsible for the day-to-day accounting, bookkeeping, and tax compliance work across an assigned client portfolio, working closely with and under the supervision of a Portfolio Manager. This role is designed to give you a strong foundation in practice accounting while developing your professional skills in a structured, supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping & Management Accounts
Process and maintain accurate monthly accounting records for assigned clients. Prepare management accounts, perform balance sheet reconciliations, and ensure the general ledger is complete and accurate.
Financial Statement Preparation
Assist in preparing annual financial statements under IFRS for SMEs or IFRS, with full supporting working paper files, ready for Portfolio Manager review and sign-off.
Tax Compliance
Prepare VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL, Income Tax, and Provisional Tax returns for submission via SARS eFiling. Assist with routine SARS correspondence and flag any issues to the Portfolio Manager.
Payroll Processing
Process monthly payroll for assigned clients, including statutory deductions, payslips, and EMP201 submissions, in line with BCEA requirements.
Accounts Payable & Receivable
Capture supplier invoices and client receipts, perform creditor and debtor reconciliations, and assist with basic cash flow monitoring.
Client Communication
Handle routine client queries in a professional and timely manner. Escalate technical or sensitive matters to the Portfolio Manager.
Workflow & Filing
Manage your tasks within the firm's practice management system (Karbon) and maintain complete, well-organised working paper files in line with internal SOPs.
Key Performance Indicators
- Turnaround time on deliverables
- Accuracy of accounting records
- Tax filing compliance rate
- Billable utilisation rate
- Quality review pass rate
- Deadline adherence
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- BCom Accounting or equivalent
- Completed SAICA, SAIPA, or ACCA articles / training contract
- Basic working knowledge of South African tax legislation and SARS eFiling
- Experience using Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks during articles
- Exposure to a multi-client practice environment
- Familiarity with payroll software (SimplePay, PaySpace, or similar)
Preferred
Skills & Competencies
Technical
- Bookkeeping and general ledger maintenance
- Financial statement preparation
- Tax compliance (VAT, PAYE, Income Tax)
- Payroll processing
- Account reconciliations
- Cloud accounting software
- Attention to detail
- Time management and deadline discipline
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to manage multiple client files simultaneously
- Eager to learn and take initiative
The Ideal Candidate
A recently qualified accountant who completed their articles and is ready to apply their training in a real-world, multi-client environment. You are methodical, deadline-driven, and take ownership of your work. You want a role that challenges you technically and gives you the mentorship and exposure to grow into a senior position over time.
Salary +- R30 000pm
Send cv to cindy@toptalentps.co.za