Financial Controller

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to lead the Group finance function at Africrest Properties in Johannesburg. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for ensuring robust controls, clean processes and audit‑ready reporting across a fast‑growing property portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Own the operational effectiveness, quality and control environment of the Group finance function.
• Design, implement and continuously improve end‑to‑end finance processes including month‑end close, journal entries, reconciliations, VAT, statutory reporting, treasury and audit preparation.
• Provide hands‑on leadership to Finance Managers, Financial Accountants and the Creditors Controller, driving ownership and accountability.
• Coordinate group‑wide month‑end close, review journals, balance‑sheet reconciliations, inter‑company transactions and elimination entries.
• Review consolidated income statements, balance sheets and external covenant reports before submission to the Head of Finance.
• Oversee VAT compliance, PAYE payments, CIPC returns and statutory tracking schedules.
• Manage treasury activities such as cash sweeps, bank account administration and liquidity planning.
• Prepare quarterly board and shareholder reports, and lead interim and year‑end audits.
• Supervise budget timelines, consolidated budget preparation and the DOKKA accounts payable system.
• Act as escalation point for stakeholder queries on financial accounts.

Required profile

• Post‑graduate accounting degree; CA(SA), SAIPA, ACCA or CIMA preferred.
• 5‑7 years of experience as a Finance Manager with full finance function exposure.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, preferably IFRS for SMEs and MDA experience.
• Experience in the property or real‑estate sector is an advantage.
• Proven leadership ability and a track record of embedding controls and processes.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with financial systems such as DOKKA and FICA.
• Knowledge of IFRS for SMEs.
• Strong treasury and VAT compliance capabilities.