Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk CV example

A Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk CV for South African employers: what to write, the duties and skills to list, a cover letter and tips.

Updated 29 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau

1. An example profile

A short profile at the top of your CV says who you are and what work you want. Change it to fit your own experience:

Accurate bookkeeper with three years of experience doing books to trial balance for small businesses. Skilled in Sage (Pastel) and Excel, VAT and payroll, and careful with deadlines.

2. Duties to list

Under each job like this in your work experience, list three to five of the duties you really did:

Capture invoices and payments on Pastel or Sage
Reconcile bank statements and accounts
Process creditors and debtors and follow up payments
Prepare VAT and payroll information
File financial documents
Help prepare month-end reports

3. Skills and certificates

Skills employers look for in this job:

Pastel / Sage accounting
Microsoft Excel
Reconciliations
Attention to detail

Also list, if you have them:

Accounting software (Sage/Pastel, Xero, QuickBooks) and Excel
Bookkeeping qualification (for example through the ICB)
SARS eFiling: VAT201, EMP201 and other returns you submitted
Payroll experience

4. Tips for Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk jobs

Name the software and how far you take the books: capturing only, reconciliations, or up to trial balance.
If you submitted VAT201 or EMP201 returns on SARS eFiling, say so: it is a sought-after skill.
Accuracy and meeting deadlines are what employers look for. Give an example if you can.

5. An example cover letter

Send a short cover letter with your CV, naming the post and the reference number from the advert:

Dear Hiring Manager

Re: Application for the post of Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk

I would like to apply for the post of Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk, as advertised. Please find my CV attached.

For three years I kept the books for several small businesses on Sage (Pastel), from capturing to trial balance, reconciled bank accounts and submitted VAT201 and EMP201 returns on SARS eFiling. I work accurately and I never miss a deadline.

I am available for an interview at any time and can be reached on 072 123 4567. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully
Thabo Mokoena

More help: how to write a cover letter, a CV with no work experience and job interview tips.