Finance Controller – Johannesburg

About the role

Our client, a growing business within an international group, is looking for an experienced Finance Controller to lead day‑to‑day financial operations in Johannesburg. The role reports to senior leadership and provides financial insight to support strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and conduct variance analysis.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow modelling and long‑term financial planning.
• Design, implement and maintain financial controls and drive process improvements.
• Monitor operational expenditure, identify cost‑saving opportunities and support performance tracking.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, payroll, VAT submissions and bank reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax legislation and assist with year‑end audit.
• Manage cloud‑based accounting systems, drive automation and develop reporting dashboards.
• Partner with senior leadership and department heads on financial strategy, business cases and ad‑hoc projects.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller, preferably in a high‑growth environment.
• Strong knowledge of South African and UK GAAP accounting principles.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including financial modelling and reporting.
• Experience with cloud‑based accounting platforms such as Xero or QuickBooks.
• Good understanding of VAT, tax compliance and payroll processes.

Required skills

• South African GAAP
• UK GAAP
• Advanced Excel
• Financial modelling
• Xero
• QuickBooks
• VAT compliance
• Payroll processing