Accountant

Job Specification

Role: Accountant

Location: Tshwane, Gauteng

Role Summary: AA boutique legal Firm in Tshwane is searching for an accounting professional who will play a critical role in managing and optimising the financial operations of the Firm, ensuring compliance with tax and accounting standards while supporting strategic decision-making. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with at least 5 years of experience, and a passion for working in a dynamic legal environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Prepare and maintain accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and South African regulations.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts and maintain integrity of financial data.
• Maintain fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules.
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable in coordination with admin staff.
• Track firm-wide expenses accurately and generate timely financial reports.
• Compile and present monthly management reports with financial insights and variance analysis.

• Support department heads with financial analysis and insights for informed decision-making.
• Monitor profitability, cash flow, and cost-efficiency metrics.
• Provide data-driven recommendations for process improvements and cost control.

Trust Account Management

• Manage and oversee client trust accounts, ensuring full compliance with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) regulations.
• Ensure strict segregation and accurate recording of client funds.
• Prepare trust reconciliations and manage trust audits where necessary.

Billing, Invoicing and Revenue Management

• Streamline billing and invoicing processes in alignment with timekeeping and legal billing practices.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing to clients to improve collection cycles and cash flow.
• Work with attorneys and admin staff to reconcile billable hours and disbursements.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Strategic Support

• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget and periodic forecasts.
• Track actuals vs. budget and identify key variances and financial risks.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to support operational, investment, expansion, and resourcing decisions.

Taxation and Compliance

• Prepare and submit tax returns including VAT, PAYE, Provisional and Income Tax, in line with SARS deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with all financial and tax legislation affecting the legal sector.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators.
• Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations and apply them to ensure firm compliance.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and improve financial systems and tools (i.e., Sage or similar platforms).
• Automate and digitise manual financial processes to improve efficiency.
• Strengthen the Firm’s internal controls and ensure integrity of financial records and systems.

Qualifications and Experience:

• B.Com Accounting degree or equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years’ experience in finance function.
• Experience with Sage and Wolters Kluwer e-billing / Enterprise Legal Management systems.
• Ability to communicate and influence at Director level.
• High proficiency in MS Suite of applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of local and international finance regulations.
• Proficiency in financial modelling.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within a legal or professional services environment would be advantageous.

Critical Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modelling).
• Able to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and external agencies.
• Exhibit discretion and maintain confidentiality in all client interactions.
• Demonstrate the Firm’s values of Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity & Accountability and Client Centricity.
• Shows commitment to continuous improvement and development.
• Excellent time management and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently.

 

No longer accepting applications. This job posting is closed.