Qualifications
- Matric / Grade 12 with Mathematics or Accounting (essential)
- Diploma or Certificate in Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Financial Management — e.g., ICB, AAT, or equivalent (essential)
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Finance (advantageous but not required)
Experience
- Minimum 5 years' proven experience in a full-function bookkeeping role (up to 15 years preferred)
- Experience across any industry is accepted — professional services, retail, manufacturing, property, or other commercial environments
- Demonstrated ability to manage accounts independently through to trial balance
- Candidates from non-legal backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply
Systems & Software
- Proficiency in at least one recognised accounting package — Pastel, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, or equivalent (essential)
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills (reconciliations, formulas, financial summaries)
- Comfortable working across digital filing and document management platforms
- Ability and willingness to learn firm-specific software and systems as part of onboarding
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the full bookkeeping function, including but not limited to:
Debtors & Invoicing
- Generate and issue invoices to clients accurately and timeously
- Allocate receipts and maintain up-to-date debtor ledgers
- Follow up on outstanding accounts and manage collections professionally
- Produce aged debtor reports and flag overdue accounts to management
Creditors & Payment Loading
- Capture and process creditor invoices with correct account coding and authorisation
- Reconcile supplier statements against firm records and resolve discrepancies
- Load electronic payments via internet banking platforms within agreed deadlines
- Maintain forward payment schedules and assist with cash flow planning
Bank Reconciliations
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly bank reconciliations across all firm accounts
- Investigate and promptly resolve unallocated, duplicate, or disputed transactions
- Maintain a clean and reconciled cashbook at all times
Trial Balance & Management Accounts
- Prepare accurate monthly trial balances with full supporting schedules
- Produce monthly management accounts including income statements, balance sheet extracts, and variance commentary
- Maintain the general ledger and process journals with appropriate supporting documentation
- Present financial reporting to the Managing Partner on a monthly basis
Regulatory & Audit Support
- Compile and organise all financial documentation required for annual external audits
- Liaise professionally with auditors and provide accurate schedules and reconciliations on request
- Maintain audit-ready records throughout the financial year as standard practice
- Respond to audit queries and implement corrective actions timeously
- Assist with compliance-related financial reporting as required by the firm (training provided)
General Financial Administration
- Maintain petty cash and process staff expense claims with supporting documentation
- Manage financial filing — both physical and electronic — in an organised and accessible manner
- Assist with reconciliation of payroll deductions and statutory submissions (PAYE, UIF, SDL) in conjunction with the firm's HR function
- Support the preparation of VAT supporting documents and liaise with the firm's external accountants
Competencies & Personal Attributes
Given the high-standards environment at FDC Law, the following attributes are considered essential:
- Meticulous attention to detail — errors are not acceptable in a compliance-driven environment
- Ability and willingness to work under pressure and meet non-negotiable deadlines
- A genuine hunger to learn, adapt, and grow within a professional services environment
- High personal integrity and the ability to handle sensitive financial information with absolute discretion
- Self-starter mentality — capable of working independently without constant supervision
- Strong time-management and prioritisation skills in a high-volume, fast-moving environment
- Professional written and verbal communication skills in English
- Resilience and a solutions-focused attitude when faced with complexity or tight turnarounds
- Collaborative approach — able to work constructively with partners, management, and support staff
- Coachable and receptive to feedback, with a commitment to continuous improvement
Appointment Conditions
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a credit and background verification check as part of the appointment process. Given the financial nature of this role, a clean credit record and verifiable employment history are requirements.
A minimum of two contactable references from previous employers in a bookkeeping or financial administration capacity are required.
Due to the urgent nature of this appointment, candidates who are immediately available or available on short notice will be given strong preference. Candidates currently employed but available within a reasonable notice period will also be considered.
Remuneration is market-related and commensurate with experience and will be discussed at interview stage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following:
- A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least two contactable references
- Certified copies of qualifications and identity document
- A covering letter (no more than one page) setting out your experience, your availability, and why you are the right person for this role
Applications must be submitted to the attention of the Practice Manager at FDC Law.