Junior Auditor

We are recruiting a motivated Junior Auditor to support operations at a reputable financial services business in Kariega, Eastern Cape.

This is a stable position with long-term prospects for committed candidates. The setting is busy but well-organised, with a focus on getting the job done properly. Qualified candidates are encouraged to get their applications in early.

The role carries deadline-driven reporting cycles, particularly around month-end and year-end.

Financial Reporting & Management Accounts

• Manage the fixed asset register by recording acquisitions, disposals, and transfer journals, and calculating monthly depreciation in accordance with IFRS and the company's approved accounting policies and capitalisation thresholds.
• Prepare monthly management accounts including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements with detailed variance analysis against budget and prior periods for senior management review and strategic decision-making.
• Analyse operational expenditure against approved departmental budgets, investigate significant deviations with cost centre managers, and present findings with corrective recommendations to the finance manager for review.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Automate recurring journal entries, reconciliation templates, and management report generation using advanced Excel functionality and accounting system capabilities to streamline month-end close processes and reduce manual effort.
• Conduct regular reviews of accounts payable and receivable processes to identify control weaknesses, reduce processing errors, and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency while reducing fraud risk and financial losses.
• Participate in system upgrade and implementation projects by testing financial modules, validating data migration accuracy, and providing user acceptance feedback to the project team to ensure a smooth transition to new systems.

Statutory Compliance & Tax

• Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns via SARS eFiling within prescribed deadlines, reconciling the VAT control account to the general ledger and maintaining supporting documentation for audit verification and tax authority inspections.
• Handle the preparation and submission of PAYE, UIF, and SDL returns to SARS on a monthly basis, ensuring employee tax deductions and employer contributions are correctly calculated, reconciled, and remitted within statutory deadlines.
• Coordinate year-end audits by preparing comprehensive audit files, compiling working papers, responding to auditor queries promptly and accurately, and facilitating timely sign-off of annual financial statements with an unqualified audit opinion.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise effectively with clients, suppliers, auditors, and colleagues at all levels.
• A bachelor's degree or diploma in accounting, financial management, or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting VAT returns via eFiling and maintaining knowledge of tax legislation changes.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills to prioritise tasks effectively during peak reporting periods such as month-end.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with the ability to investigate and resolve complex reconciling items independently.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and International Financial Reporting Standards in South Africa.