Senior Accountant

About the role

BDO Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Accountant to join its Business Services and Advisory department. The role involves managing a diverse portfolio of clients—including individuals, trusts, companies and close corporations—and delivering high‑quality accounting and advisory services.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain real‑time accounting records for clients, processing cashbooks, supplier and sales invoices, payroll journals and other entries.
• Perform month‑end checks, balance‑sheet reconciliations and preparation of trial balances.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, general journals and expense reconciliations.
• Compile and submit statutory returns (VAT 201, EMP 201, EMP501, returns of earnings) and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Produce annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS for SMEs and undertake compilation, independent review, and accounting officer engagements.
• Conduct tax computations for companies, close corporations and trusts, including special allowances.
• Lead and mentor junior team members, review working papers and propose journal entries to clients.
• Present management accounts to clients and act as their outsourced financial manager.

Required profile

• Qualified accountant with several years of experience in a public‑practice environment.
• Proven ability to manage a client portfolio and deliver timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation and IFRS for SMEs.
• Excellent communication skills for client interaction and team leadership.

Required skills

• SAP
• OneStream
• Sage
• Xero