Accounting Operations Manager

Accounting Operations Manager

Recruiter

The Talent Room

Job Ref

Tal000477/DK

Date posted

Monday, July 27, 2026

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY

Our client in Johannesburg is hiring an Accounting Operations Manager!

They are a growing South African financial services group offering tax, accounting, short-term insurance and financial advisory services. With offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, they serve a diverse client base with a commitment to quality, relationships and results.

POSITION INFO

Description

The Accounting Operations Manager will provide experienced leadership and technical oversight to our client's accounting team. The primary mandate is to raise the quality and consistency of work produced by the team's Financial Managers, ensure all SARS deadlines and client deliverables are met, and build strong, trust-based relationships with clients.

Responsibilities: Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of 2 Financial Managers and 2 Financial Accountants; set clear performance standards and provide regular feedback. Review and quality-check Annual Financial Statements (AFS) before sign-off and client distribution. Manage the preparation and submission of Company and Individual Income Tax returns, ensuring all SARS deadlines are met.

Own and maintain client relationships within the accounting and tax portfolio; serve as the primary escalation point for client queries. Review monthly Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies. Implement and maintain quality control processes across the team's workflow. Reduce escalations to senior leadership by resolving issues at team level.

Act as the primary communication channel between the team and the Head of Accounting. Upskill the team on accounting processes, tax, reporting, client relationships, trusts, ethics and SARS regulations through a continuous development programme.

Requirements: Qualifications: BCom Accounting (or equivalent) - essential Registered Tax Practitioner - essential CIMA, SAIPA, or CA (SA) designation - beneficial Experience: Minimum 6 years' experience in accounting / tax, with demonstrated management-level responsibility. Background from an audit firm or public practice - essential. Proven track record of managing or mentoring accounting staff.

Experience handling SARS submissions, AFS preparation and client-facing work Systems & Software Proficiency: Xero - essential Draftworx / Caseware Sage / QuickBooks / Zoho - beneficial SimplePay SARS eFiling & SARS Easyfile Please note only candidates that meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

Please follow our website and social media channels to be the first to know when our clients have new vacancies! Instagram: LinkedIn: website: