Senior Financial Controller

About the position

Senior Financial Controller

Overview
Our client is a well-established, vertically integrated producer and exporter in the horticulture and agri-processing sector, known for delivering premium products to both local and international markets. With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, the business operates across a diverse supply chain-spanning growing, processing, and global distribution. The company is in an exciting phase of operational scaling and strategic transformation, and this role plays a central part in enabling that journey.

Role Summary
The Senior Financial Controller will take full responsibility for the finance function, ensuring compliance, governance, and financial health across the business. This role requires technical excellence in IFRS, taxation, and financial reporting, along with strategic financial leadership to support long-term sustainability. It is a developmental role with a clear trajectory toward a future Chief Financial Officer (CFO) appointment, offering exposure to strategic projects and executive decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead full financial operations including general ledger, AP/AR, reconciliations, and month/year-end close.

• Manage fixed assets, inventory control, and working capital.
• Ensure IFRS compliance across all transactions.
• Prepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis and insights.

• Oversee external audits and statutory reporting.

• Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes.

• Conduct financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Provide insights on financial risks, trends, and opportunities.

• Align financial plans with business strategy.

• Taxation & SARS Compliance

• Serve as the in-house tax authority across VAT, PAYE, income and deferred tax.

• Submit all SARS returns and ensure compliance and audit readiness.
• Lead tax risk mitigation and advisory.

• Maintain tax practitioner registration (advantageous).

• Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Monitor cash flow forecasts and liquidity.

• Manage banking relationships and funding needs.

• Optimise treasury and working capital processes.

• Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance

• Design and maintain strong internal control frameworks.

• Conduct audits and risk assessments; track corrective actions.

• Align policies with group and statutory requirements.

• Strategic Business Partnership & Projects

• Support due diligence, investment evaluations, and special projects.

• Advise senior leaders on financial strategy.

• Contribute to growth, scalability, and governance maturity.

• Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team.

• Foster a culture of accountability and ethical conduct.

• Drive team and systems readiness for future CFO transition.

• B-BBEE & Regulatory Reporting

• Manage financial inputs for B-BBEE audits and compliance.

• Ensure audit readiness for all regulatory submissions.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• CA(SA) qualification.
• 5+years of progressive financial experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Expertise in financial reporting, audits, and tax compliance.
• Proficiency in Sage Evolution or similar ERP.

Advantageous:

• Tax advisory certification or deep experience in taxation.
• Registration as a Tax Practitioner.
• Sector experience in agriculture, horticulture, or FMCG advanatgeous.
• MBA or equivalent business leadership qualification.

Desired Skills:

• IFRS
• Financial reporting
• Tax
• Chartered Accountant
• CA (SA)
• Audit
• Financial Reporting
• Strategy
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Inventory Control
• Group Accounting
• Consolidated financial statement

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years