Executive Assistant/Bookkeeper

About the role

A private investment group with interests in corporate investments, inter vivos trusts, commercial property and hospitality is looking for an Office Manager.

Roughly 70% of the role is executive support and office administration, and 30% is bookkeeping and trust administration. It is a hands-on role for someone who works independently, keeps records in good order and handles confidential information with discretion.

Key responsibilities

Executive Support & Office Administration

• Provide executive assistance to the directors and liaise with stakeholders on their behalf.
• Manage diaries, correspondence and travel arrangements.
• Keep corporate governance and document control in order, filing digital and physical records (SLAs, trust deeds, secretarial records and contracts).
• Handle CIPC filings and company secretarial administration.
• Track projects and follow up on tasks to completion
• Support the administration of properties and assets, including utility accounts, service provider renewals and insurance policies.
• Handle ad hoc administrative and operational requests from the directors.

Bookkeeping and trust administration (about 30%)

• Keep accurate, up-to-date financial records for the trusts, holding companies and related entities.
• Process day-to-day transactions, including journals, bank reconciliations and general ledger maintenance.
• Complete monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations across all accounts.
• Run trust accounting in line with each trust deed and the applicable legislation.
• Calculate and allocate trust income distributions to beneficiaries, with the correct tax treatment.
• Keep beneficiary records, historical logs and distribution schedules complete and current.

Skills and experience

• Proven, contactable experience as an executive assistant, personal assistant or senior administrator supporting directors or business owners.
• Bookkeeping experience, whether gained in a bookkeeping role or as part of a broader administrative one.
• Hands-on experience in, or strong exposure to, trust accounting and trust tax administration.
• Working knowledge of CIPC services (annual returns, director and company changes).
• Familiarity with South African tax and general compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in cloud accounting software such as Xero or Sage Pastel.
• Strong Excel skills.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and meet tight deadlines

Qualifications and personal attributes

• Education: A degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, Administration or a related field is preferred. A professional accounting or bookkeeping certification is an advantage.
• Personal attributes: Integrity and strict confidentiality, clear communication, a proactive approach to solving problems, and comfort working with complex company and trust structures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R25 000,00 - R35 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person