Manager: Accounting, Tax Compliance and Payroll | Permanent | Cape Town

Lead the delivery of critical financial, tax, and payroll services across Southern Africa. Join a fast-growing Pan-African business services group where your expertise will shape operational excellence across multiple markets.

This opportunity is suited to an experienced finance professional who thrives in a dynamic, client-focused environment and enjoys balancing technical compliance with team leadership. Based in Cape Town, you will oversee accounting, tax compliance, payroll, and corporate governance services for a diverse portfolio of clients operating across the SADC region.

As a key member of the Southern Africa leadership team, you will drive service delivery excellence, strengthen internal controls, and ensure compliance with evolving regional regulatory requirements. The role offers significant exposure to cross-border operations, multiple jurisdictions, and high-growth businesses expanding across Africa.

Our client is a leading Pan-African business services provider supporting international and regional organisations with market entry, compliance, accounting, payroll, and corporate governance solutions across the continent. Through a technology-enabled service model and a strong regional presence, they help businesses operate seamlessly across borders.

What You'll Do

• Oversee full accounting operations including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, and cash flow management.
  Manage end-to-end payroll processing, statutory deductions, and payroll reconciliations for multiple client portfolios.
  Lead the preparation of management accounts, financial statements, and reporting packs.
  Manage client tax compliance obligations including VAT, PAYE, corporate income tax, and related submissions.
  Act as a senior escalation point for complex accounting, payroll, and tax matters.
  Ensure adherence to internal controls, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
  Coordinate company incorporations, annual compliance submissions, and corporate secretarial activities.
  Oversee trust registrations and ongoing fiduciary compliance requirements.
  Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies across service delivery functions.
  Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
  Conduct performance reviews and support staff development initiatives.
  Maintain accurate client records and compliance documentation.

What You Bring

• 57 years of progressive experience in accounting, tax compliance, and payroll management.
  Experience within professional services, outsourced services, BPO, consulting, or multi-client environments.
  Proven success managing multiple client portfolios simultaneously.
  Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and international accounting practices.
  Comprehensive understanding of South African tax legislation and statutory compliance requirements.
  Experience designing and maintaining effective internal control environments.
  Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based accounting platforms such as Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks.
  Bachelors degree in finance, Business, Law, Economics, or a related discipline.
  Completed SAICA or SAIPA articles.
  Professional designation such as CA(SA), Professional Accountant (SA), AGA(SA), ACCA, or tax practitioner registration will be advantageous.
  Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate and timely delivery of accounting, payroll, and tax services across all client portfolios.
  Strong compliance performance with minimal regulatory or reporting exceptions.
  Effective management of client relationships and resolution of complex technical matters.
  Continuous improvement of operational processes and service delivery standards.
  High levels of team engagement, accountability, and performance.
  Reliable financial reporting that supports informed business decision-making.
  Consistent achievement of deadlines across multiple jurisdictions and client requirements.