Senior Accounting Associate

Senior Accounting Associate

Location: Remote (South Africa) (for a company based in the Netherlands)

Reports to: Financial Controller/Head of Accounting

About the Client

Our client is a fast-growing international legal, finance and global payroll services organisation headquartered in the Netherlands, providing accounting, tax and payroll services to a diverse portfolio of international clients.

Their accounting team maintains and delivers accurate financial administration and reporting for complex, cross-border clients, working within a structured team of Assistants, Associates, Senior Associates, Financial Controllers and a Head of Accounting.

They work with clients across multiple countries and industries, offering genuine exposure to international accounting, VAT and statutory reporting work, and a clear path for driven accountants to grow into more senior, client-facing roles.

This team offers a high-energy environment where ambition is rewarded and quality of work is taken seriously.

About the Role

As a Senior Accounting Associate, you will maintain and deliver accurate and appropriate financial administration and reporting for a portfolio of complex, international clients. You will own the day-to-day accuracy of client books and records, close out month- and quarter-end processes, and prepare the financial reports and statutory filings that clients and regulators rely on.

The role also carries a team dimension: you will provide administrative support to Financial Controllers, guide and monitor the work of Accounting Assistants, and help train and welcome newcomers to the team.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated ground-up career growth from bookkeeping into accountancy, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine willingness to learn the tax, VAT and regulatory rules that apply to an international client base.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone with a proven accounting foundation who is ready to take ownership of a complex client portfolio and grow into more senior, advisory work. The ideal candidate also possesses the following skills:

• Demonstrated ground-up career growth from bookkeeping through to accountancy, including drafting financial statements

• Comfortable independently managing a portfolio of 15+ clients within a mid-sized accounting firm

• Strong attention to detail, able to process detailed information accurately and consistently

• An ambitious, career-driven mindset with a genuine effort to grow and succeed

• Collaborative — works effectively with Financial Controllers, Associates and Assistants toward shared goals

• A quick learner, able to absorb new information and put it into practice effectively

• Client-focused, with the judgement to identify solutions and communicate them clearly, even under pressure

Desirable Experience and Competencies

• Strong experience in complex business structures and related disclosure requirements and re-evaluations

• Knowledge and experience with EU/Netherlands VAT would be a strong advantage

• Experience with accounting systems such as Exact Online, NetSuite or QuickBooks

• Extensive knowledge of Excel and other online and offline reporting tools

• Dutch language skills would be a plus, in addition to excellent English

• Experience training, mentoring or reviewing the work of more junior accounting staff

• A track record of streamlining accounting processes and eliminating bottlenecks

• Comfortable communicating with both foreign and domestic clients and third parties

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Finance/Accountancy or equivalent

• Certified Accountant with SAIPA accreditation

• At least 3 years' relevant work experience in a mid-sized accounting firm

• Must have been responsible for a minimum of 15 clients

• Demonstrated experience drafting annual statutory financial statements

• Excellent verbal and written English

Systems Experience

• Knowledge and experience with accounting systems such as Exact Online, NetSuite, Quickbooks or similar platforms

• Extensive knowledge of Excel

• Training will be provided on additional systems and tools where required

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure client financial books and records are up to date, accurate and complete

• Carry out month-end and quarter-end closes and prepare the resulting financial reports for clients

• Prepare and file complete, correct VAT/ESL/CBS returns on behalf of clients

• Monitor client transactions to ensure compliance with relevant legislation (WWFT/Tax)

• Draft annual statutory financial statements for filing with the Trade Registry

• Support clients with ad-hoc services such as payments and sales invoice creation

• Work with clients to streamline their accounting processes

• Communicate with foreign and domestic clients and third parties

• Keep accurate, timely records of hours worked in the time registration system

• Provide administrative support to Financial Controllers

• Guide and monitor the work of Accounting Assistants

• Work with your Financial Controller to streamline financial processes, eliminate bottlenecks and flag areas for discussion

• Participate actively in team meetings and events, asking questions to learn from more experienced colleagues

• Train newcomers, help them feel welcome, and make yourself available to assist

• Work with other teams to gather information relevant to client situations, and provide input on clients' financial affairs where needed

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 12 months you will have:

• Taken full ownership of a portfolio of complex, international clients with accurate, up-to-date books and records

• Independently closed out month- and quarter-end processes and delivered financial reports on time

• Prepared and filed VAT/ESL/CBS returns and statutory financial statements with confidence

• Built strong working relationships with your Financial Controller, clients and Accounting Assistants

• Begun guiding and mentoring more junior members of the team

• Demonstrated the accountability, quality focus and client orientation expected across the team