Financial Controller – Johannesburg

About the role

The Financial Controller will oversee financial and accounting operations for Tarsus Distribution across multiple African entities, ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance and timely reporting. The role supports strategic decision‑making through detailed financial analysis and continuous improvement of month‑end processes.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain general ledger and trial balances in line with IFRS and local accounting standards for all African entities.
• Prepare flash reports, monthly management packs and board‑level financial performance summaries within strict deadlines.
• Perform variance analysis against budgets and prior periods, identifying and explaining anomalies.
• Manage multi‑currency accounting, foreign‑exchange exposure and treasury activities including FX forecasting.
• Oversee cash‑flow forecasting, cash management and the release of local and foreign payments.
• Ensure strong internal controls, review creditor reconciliations and sign‑off on inter‑company transactions.
• Coordinate annual audit activities, prepare supporting schedules and liaise with external auditors.
• Monitor compliance with local tax, VAT, customs and statutory regulations across all jurisdictions.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Honours preferred) with SAICA, CIMA or similar registration.
• 3–5 years of experience in a similar financial controller or senior accounting role.
• Strong financial and business acumen with high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Resilient, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables, macros).
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite.