Junior Accountant

Houst is hiring a Junior Accountant who will support both day-to-day accounting and the operational side of finance. You will keep the books accurate up to trial balance across several group entities. You will also work with the Operations team so clients pay on time, suppliers are paid correctly and automated transactions post as they should. This is a hands-on role for someone who likes clean reconciliations and following an issue through to its root cause. You will report to the Finance Manager and work closely with Operations every day. Please note: This role requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a directly related field. Unfortunately, diplomas or certificates without a degree will not be considered. Workplace: Hybrid, 2–3 days a week. There will be on-site interviews at our Cape Town office. Only candidates currently based in Cape Town will be considered. Hours: Our working hours are 09:00–18:00 UK time. For candidates in South Africa, this is 10:00–19:00 (late March to late October) and 11:00–20:00 (late October to late March). Responsibilities: Run the full accounting cycle up to trial balance for several group entities in Xero. Prepare monthly bank, balance sheet and intercompany reconciliations, and post journals and accruals. Support the month-end close so management accounts are accurate and on time. Process Improvement: Identify and implement process automation to enhance efficiency in accounts payable. Develop and maintain financial controls to ensure accuracy and consistency. Keep Xero tidy: chart of accounts, contacts, tracking categories and clearing accounts. Work with Operations: be the main finance contact for the Operations team. Resolve billing, payment and data questions so transactions reach the books correctly. Collect debt: issue invoices, track aged debtors and chase overdue balances. Report on collections and escalate long-outstanding items. Make payments: check supplier invoices against approvals and prepare payment runs. Ensure payments go out on time, to the right party and in the right currency. Collaboration & Problem Resolution: Work closely with finance and operations teams to ensure accurate reporting and smooth workflows. Address and resolve escalated accounts payable issues. Provide financial support and insights to internal stakeholders. Apply and improve controls over payments and receipts. Find manual steps that could be automated, and document the processes you run. Proven experience in a finance/accounting role (typically 2+ years) Degree in Finance/Accounting, and preferably a professional qualification Experience with invoice processing, payment runs, and bank reconciliations Strong understanding of accounting principles and standards (e.g. IFRS or GAAP) Experience supporting month-end close processes and preparing financial reports Background in working with financial controls and compliance frameworks Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Pastel) Strong Excel skills (e.g. VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, reconciliations) Ability to identify and implement process improvements, especially in automation Confidence working with non-finance teams, explaining issues clearly and following them up Close attention to detail, and the curiosity to find out why a transaction went wrong, not just correct it Understanding of cash flow management and working capital principles Exposure to multi-currency environments and international payment processes Knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to accounts payable 23 days paid holiday days (plus public holidays) An extra day off for your birthday - because who wants to work on their birthday? Hybrid working model Opportunities to innovate Better Help coverage for mental health support Laptop - for business use Salary: R18,000- R20,000 per month (dependent on experience)