Senior Bookkeeper (Legal), Gauteng at Sheldon Recruitment

We are seeking a Senior Bookkeeper (Legal) for a permanent vacancy based in Parktown North, Gauteng


Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:


Relevant bookkeeping / accounting qualification.
At least 5 - 8 years' bookkeeping experience, preferably within a law firm or legal practice
Proven experience with trust and business accounting in an attorneys' practice
Experience with legal accounting systems such as Practice Manager Pro (PMPro) LegalSuite, AJS, GhostPractice, or similar will be advantageous
Strong Excel and general accounting software proficiency
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure


Key Competencies


Strong knowledge of legal practice accounting controls and reconciliations
Excellent numerical and analytical ability
Sound organisational and time-management skills
Ability to meet strict month-end and compliance deadlines
Understanding of conveyancing accounting processes
Integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Clear communication skills and ability to work with legal practitioners and support staff


The successful candidate will be expected to:


Maintain strict compliance with trust accounting and internal control requirements.
Ensure that all reconciliations and finance records are complete, accurate, and audit ready.
Identify discrepancies promptly and escalate risks appropriately.
Contribute to efficient finance operations and continuous process improvement.
Operate with a high degree of confidentiality and accountability.
Support the firm in maintaining sound financial governance and regulatory compliance.


The successful applicant would be responsible for, but not limited to:


Maintain the firm's business and trust accounting records accurately and timeously.
Process and reconcile trust receipts, trust payments, transfers, and interest.
Perform daily, weekly, and monthly trust reconciliations and ensure compliance with legal practice accounting requirements.
Manage creditors, debtors, general ledger, journals, cashbook, and bank reconciliations.
Monitor and reconcile client matters, trust creditors, and fee transfers.
Prepare and process monthly management accounts and supporting schedules.
Attend to billing support, receipts allocation, write-offs, and collection reporting.
Administer payroll inputs and assist with payroll reconciliations where required.
Assist with year-end audit preparation, including trust audit support and provision of audit schedules.
Maintain strong internal financial controls and ensure proper segregation and authorisation of transactions.
Support FICA-related financial record keeping and source document retention.
Liaise with partners, fee earners, auditors, banks, and service providers on finance-related matters.
Opening and closure of Trust Investments.
Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and professional handling of all firm and client financial records.