A growing organisation in Polokwane, Limpopo requires a Cost Accountant to support the finance department with day-to-day accounting and month-end closures. Responsibilities include processing transactions, maintaining the general ledger, preparing VAT returns, and assisting with annual financial statements. The role demands high accuracy and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities 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. Develop, document, and implement internal financial controls and standard operating procedures across the finance function to strengthen the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting and safeguard organisational assets. 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. Financial Reporting & Management Accounts Perform full balance sheet reconciliations covering bank accounts, debtors, creditors, prepayments, accruals, and intercompany loan accounts on a monthly basis to ensure completeness and accuracy of the general ledger. 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. Statutory Compliance & Tax 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. 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. 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. Requirements A bachelor's degree or diploma in accounting, financial management, or a closely related field from a recognised institution. Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail with ability to identify and correct discrepancies in large volumes of financial data. Proficiency in accounting software such as Sage, Pastel, or Xero, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs. Excellent time management and organisational skills to prioritise tasks effectively during peak reporting periods such as month-end. Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting VAT returns via eFiling and maintaining knowledge of tax legislation changes. A proactive approach to problem-solving with the ability to investigate and resolve complex reconciling items independently. Qualifications Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting or Equivalent