Financial Controller

Johannesburg, South AfricaFull TimeSeniorPosted 18d ago

Our client is seeking a high-caliber, control-focused Financial Controller to take full ownership of our financial ecosystem. In this role, you will be the custodian of financial integrity, ensuring that accounting systems, financial reporting, statutory submissions, and audit deliverables are timely, accurate, and completely compliant.

You will bridge the gap between rigorous financial control and operational efficiency—leading our accounting, payables, and control functions to ensure robust governance across a fast-paced business environment. Reporting directly to the Finance Director/CFO, you will manage a dedicated operational finance team of approximately 9 people. Key Responsibilities: 1. Commercial Value & Business Partnering (The "Mindset" Shift)

Cash Optimization: Own the 13-week tactical cash forecasting model. Actively track Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and collaborate with FP&A/Sales to optimize working capital.
Strategic Input: Partner directly with the CFO and FP&A teams, translating core financial outcomes into actionable insights for budgeting and forecasting.
Finance Transformation: Act as a change agent. Drive automation, streamline ERP configurations (Syspro/equivalent), and eliminate manual inefficiencies to free up the team for analytical work.

2. Financial Reporting & Robust Control

Month-End Mastery: Lead and elevate the month-end close process, ensuring management accounts are highly accurate, punchy, and meaningful for executive decision-making.
Balance Sheet Integrity: Oversee the General Ledger, sub-ledger alignments, and monthly review packs with a razor-sharp eye for detail.
Audit Ownership: Lead the preparation of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and quarterback the external audit process to guarantee clean, friction-free outcomes.

3. Tax, Compliance & Team Leadership

Statutory Governance: Ensure flawless compliance across VAT, PAYE, and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) frameworks.
Operational Oversight: Mentor and lead the Accounts Payable, Bank & Cash, and Expense Control teams, fostering a culture of high accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

The Badge: CA(SA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification is essential.
The Track Record: 5 to 8 years of post-articles experience, with a proven history of managing complex financial closes, tax cycles, and audits.
The Sector Edge: Experience in FMCG, Retail, or Distribution will give you a massive head start (understanding inventory, high-volume transactions, and tight margins is key).
Systems Savvy: Strong ERP experience is non-negotiable; hands-on experience with Syspro or similar mid-to-enterprise tier systems is highly advantageous.
Technical Depth: Deep working knowledge of IFRS and South African tax/regulatory frameworks.

The Ideal Candidate You are a "hybrid" finance professional. You love the neatness of a perfectly reconciled balance sheet, but you get genuinely excited about finding a leak in the supply chain or automating a broken process. You don't just report the numbers; you care deeply about why the numbers look the way they do and how to improve them tomorrow.

Ready to apply? You'll be taken to Outsourced CFO's application page.