Senior Accountant

Oriental Unicorn is looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to take ownership of our financial accounting function. You will make sure our financial information is accurate, complete and reported on time, and you will be a trusted source of financial insight for management.

The role combines hands-on technical accounting with tax and statutory compliance, financial controls and the supervision of junior finance staff, while helping us keep improving our finance processes, systems and controls.

• Accounting & general ledger: Run the full accounting function from transaction processing to trial balance; review journals, accruals and provisions; complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations; and oversee accounts payable and receivable.
• Financial reporting: Prepare monthly management accounts, analyse performance against budget, forecast and prior periods, explain material variances, and assist with the annual financial statements.
• Budgeting & forecasting: Prepare forecasts and cash-flow projections, monitor actuals against budget, and flag cost-saving opportunities and financial risks.
• Client Manager coordination & client support: Maintain daily communication with Client Managers and actively support them in addressing clients’ accounting and financial requirements, including the timely preparation and provision of financial information, reports, supporting documents, and other finance-related assistance as required.
• Tax & SARS compliance: Prepare or review VAT, PAYE and payroll-related submissions; support corporate and provisional tax compliance; manage SARS e-Filing; and handle SARS queries, verifications and audits.
• Audit: Coordinate internal and external audits, prepare audit schedules, liaise with auditors and advisers, and follow through on agreed corrective actions.
• Controls & governance: Develop and maintain financial controls, monitor policy compliance, promote segregation of duties, and recommend fixes for control weaknesses.
• Cash & working capital: Monitor cash balances, debtors and creditors, identify collection risks, and support working-capital analysis.
• Systems & improvement: Safeguard data integrity in our accounting systems, standardise procedures, and identify opportunities for automation.
• People: Supervise, review and coach junior accounting staff, allocate work and manage deadlines.
• Business & statutory support: Give management clear financial insight for planning and decisions, and assist with CIPC, statutory and governance requirements.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting Science or BCom Accounting (essential)
• A minimum of 5 years' relevant accounting experience, including 3 years at a senior or supervisory level
• Registration with a recognised professional accounting body, such as CIBA, SAIPA, SAICA or CIMA
• Registration as a Tax Practitioner with SARS will be a strong advantage
• Sound knowledge of IFRS / IFRS for SMEs, South African tax legislation (VAT, PAYE, corporate income tax) and CIPC requirements
• Proven experience in management accounts, budgeting and forecasting, cash-flow management, internal controls and audit processes

Systems & software

• Essential: Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced), Word and Outlook
• Essential: a recognised accounting or ERP system, such as Sage, Pastel, Xero and QuickBooks
• Advantageous: Draftworx, SimplePay, SARS e-Filing and the CIPC online portal

The person we're looking for

• Meticulous, deadline-driven and comfortable owning month-end and year-end
• Able to explain the numbers clearly to non-financial managers
• A hands-on leader who enjoys developing others
• Proactive about improving the way things are done

Market related

Ready to join us?

Email your detailed CV and a short covering letter to ***email_hidden*** quoting reference OU-FIN-000 in the subject line. Certified copies of qualifications and proof of professional registration may be requested from shortlisted candidates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. By submitting your application, you consent to Oriental Unicorn processing your personal information for recruitment purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Your information will be kept confidential and will not be retained longer than necessary.