Financial Controller - English-Speaking Africa Cluster

About the role

Abbott's Established Pharmaceuticals Division is hiring a Financial Controller for its English-Speaking Africa Cluster, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is the most senior finance leadership position in the cluster and acts as a strategic commercial finance business partner to the Country Manager and the Leadership Team, driving financial performance, governance, business planning and profitable growth across multiple African markets.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a trusted commercial finance partner to the Country Manager and Leadership Team.
• Lead business planning, forecasting, financial reporting and performance management.
• Drive profitable growth through strategic financial insights and decision support.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, internal controls and financial stewardship across the cluster.
• Partner with commercial, marketing, supply chain and support functions to maximise business performance.
• Lead business reviews, investment evaluations and resource allocation decisions.
• Champion automation, process improvement and AI-enabled finance solutions.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing finance team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field (essential).
• Professional accounting qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CMA or equivalent (preferred).
• 10-15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience in multinational organisations, including at least 5 years in a people manager role (essential).
• Experience leading finance activities for a country, cluster or regional business with full P&L accountability.
• Strong FP&A, commercial finance and business partnering experience.
• Experience in complex matrix organisations and influencing senior stakeholders; pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical device, FMCG or other highly regulated industry experience preferred.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of IFRS, statutory reporting, governance, treasury, compliance and internal controls.
• Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Advantageous: experience using digital, automation and AI tools to improve finance processes and forecasting.