SAIPA ACCOUNTANT -UMHLANGA
Finance / Accounting
Umhlanga, Durban – KwaZulu Natal
SAIPA GRADUATE/ACCOUNTANT -UMHLANGA
The Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and supporting management with financial information for decision-making. The role operates within the framework of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), and the incumbent is expected to work towards, hold, or maintain the Professional Accountant (SA) designation, complying with SAIPA’s Code of Professional Conduct and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure all transactions are accurately recorded.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS for SMEs or full IFRS, as applicable.
- Perform bank, debtor, creditor, and general ledger reconciliations.
- Process journal entries, accruals, and adjustments.
- Prepare management accounts and variance analyses for review by senior staff or clients.
2.2 Taxation & Statutory Compliance
- Prepare and submit VAT201, EMP201/EMP501, and provisional and annual income tax returns via SARS eFiling.
- Ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act, VAT Act, and other relevant SARS legislation.
- Assist with SARS queries, verifications, and audits.
- Ensure statutory filings with CIPC are up to date (annual returns, changes in directors/members, etc.).
2.3 Payroll & Related Functions
- Process monthly payroll, including PAYE, UIF, and SDL calculations and submissions.
- Prepare IRP5/IT3(a) certificates and manage annual and interim SARS reconciliations.
2.4 Audit & Independent Review Support
- Prepare audit/review files and supporting schedules for external auditors or independent reviewers.
- Liaise with auditors and respond to audit queries.
- Compile working papers in line with SAIPA and applicable assurance standards.
2.5 Client / Stakeholder Management (where applicable in practice environments)
- Maintain professional relationships with clients, providing sound financial and tax advice.
- Communicate deadlines, statutory obligations, and financial insights clearly to clients or management.
2.6 Professional Development
- Complete and log verifiable and non-verifiable CPD hours as required by SAIPA.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in tax legislation, accounting standards, and the Companies Act.
- If a Trainee Accountant, fulfil the training programme requirements under a SAIPA-accredited Training Centre, including logging of competencies (SAIPA Portal / training logbook).
3. Minimum Qualifications & SAIPA Requirements
- A relevant B.Com degree (Accounting/Financial Management) or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification, accredited or recognised by SAIPA.
- For Trainee Accountants: registration with a SAIPA-accredited Training Centre and a signed Training Contract (SAIPA Training Programme, typically 3 years, or 2 years for postgraduate entrants).
- For qualified staff: Professional Accountant (SA) designation, or eligibility to write the Professional Evaluation (PE) / Initial Test of Competence, as applicable.
- Registered SAIPA member in good standing, adhering to the SAIPA Code of Professional Conduct.
- Proof of up-to-date CPD hours (for designated members).
4. Experience
- Trainee level: no prior experience required; relevant vacation work or internships advantageous.
- Qualified/Senior level: minimum 2–5 years’ post-articles experience in an accounting practice, SME, or corporate finance environment.
- Demonstrable experience with SARS eFiling, CIPC, and payroll/tax submissions.
5. Technical Skills & Systems
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Pastel/Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, CaseWare, Draftworx).
- Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office suite.
- Strong understanding of IFRS for SMEs, the Companies Act 71 of 2008, Income Tax Act, VAT Act, and Tax Administration Act.
- Familiarity with SARS eFiling and CIPC online systems.
6. Core Competencies
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and meet strict statutory deadlines.
- Sound ethical judgement and integrity, in line with SAIPA’s professional conduct standards.
- Effective time management across multiple clients or business units.
- Team collaboration and willingness to mentor junior/trainee staff (senior roles).
7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timeous and accurate submission of all statutory returns (VAT, PAYE, income tax).
- Financial statements and management accounts delivered within agreed deadlines.
- Zero or minimal audit findings relating to work prepared.
- Client/stakeholder satisfaction and responsiveness to queries.
Progress against SAIPA training logbook competencies (for trainees) or CPD targets (for qualified members).
