Business Controller - Finance: Inventory, Projects and Supply Chain

Saab; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab is seeking a Business Controller to manage inventory systems, stock and WIP valuations, product cost and financial reporting, budgets and forecasts. You will provide daily financial support to the relevant business units, project managers and the CFO, with a proactive role in financial controls and processes.

The role emphasizes accurate inventory valuations, cost analyses, project costing and decision-support insights to optimize business performance in a defence and security environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification preferred (CIMA, or equivalent)
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in cost accounting and inventory management.
• Experience in manufacturing or retail environments preferred.
• Strong background in ERP systems and inventory management software.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain accurate stock levels across all product categories.
• Prepare detailed cost reports for products, departments and projects.
• Analyse cost variances between budgeted and actual figures.
• Manage all aspects of P&L for business units and ensure accurate reporting.
• Coordinate with procurement on pricing and delivery terms.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Excel

ERP systems (IFS or similar)

Data analysis

Financial reporting

Cost reduction

Decision support

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CIMA or equivalent preferred

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

We have a vacancy for a Business Controller to manage the inventory systems, stock and work in progress valuations, product cost, financial reporting, budgets and forecasts. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate inventory valuations, conducting cost analyses, project costing, provide financial support on a daily basis to the relevant Business unit/s Supply Chain, Project Managers and Chief Financial Officer and provide valuable insights to support business decision-making. You should also take the lead with regards to financial controls and processors.

Your role

Inventory Management (stock and production work in progress)

• Monitor and maintain accurate stock levels across all product categories
• Conduct regular physical inventory counts and reconcile with system records
• Review perpetual stock count recodes and assistance with day-to-day stock control
• Maintain and implement improved inventory control procedures and protocols
• Identify and resolve stock discrepancies through investigation and analysis
• Assist reorder points and safety stock levels to prevent stockouts and overstock situations
• Manage obsolete and slow- moving stock, calculate and process slow moving stock provisions
• Manage stock and work in progress valuations

Cost Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyse and prepare detailed cost reports for products, departments and projects
• Monitor and evaluate cost variances between budgeted and actual figures
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual cost analysis reports for management review
• Calculate and track cost of goods sold (COGS) and inventory valuation
• Monthly consolidations and related reporting
• Provide cost forecasting and trend analysis to support strategic planning
• Manage all aspects of the business unit/s P&L, investigate balance sheet, interrogate figures to ensure accurate reporting
• Ensure all financial policies are adhered to
• Improve efficiencies and reducing costs across the business

Financial Controls

• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure compliance with financial policies
• Review the General Ledger reporting of cost centres and income statement, ensure correct allocations
• Coordinate with procurement department on pricing and delivery terms
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and audit requirements
• Monthly general ledger reconciliations
• Maintaining and monitoring risks for the business related to any inventory programs inventory provisions or other income statement and balance sheet items
• Tracking and reporting on cost centre expenditure commitments vs budgets and forecasts.
• Analyse financial information needs by reviewing existing systems and working out the best way to meet those needs with the reporting system (optimisation)
• Conduct special investigations and feasibility studies on various projects
• Proactive approach and accountable in taking control of the Business unit financial inventory controlling & reporting
• Ensure compliance with statutory law and financial regulations
• Participate in Product Cost and Quote Process
• Ensure the Company’s financial procedures and practices are according to Company and Group procedures and practices
• Internal controls and levels of authority of approvals are adhered to
• Provide all requirements for External Auditors

Operational Support

• Collaborate with procurement, production, and sales teams to optimize inventory levels
• Participate in the Product costing and Quotation process
• Assist in the development and implementation of inventory management systems
• implement management dashboards and performance metrics
• Support budget preparation and cost control initiatives
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction
• Support supply chain cost centres with annual budgets, spending and analysis
• Calculation of supply chain overhead recoveries together with supply chain production manager and cost centre managers
• Assist operations and supply chain teams with Material Review Board and Engineering Change Proposal processes to fully understand the impact on inventory levels
• Inventory adjustments and write downs according to Saab process

Your profile

Required skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (IFS or similar)
• Knowledge of accounting principles and inventory financial reporting standards
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools
• Maintain accuracy in inventory records and financial reporting
• Achieve targeted cost reduction objectives as outlined in departmental plans
• Provide timely and actionable insights to support business decisions
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization

Desired characteristics:

• Highly organized with strong time management capabilities
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct
• Commitment to accuracy and quality in all deliverables
• Willingness to adapt to changing business needs and priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism and strong work ethic
• Oral and written communications skills

Practical experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in cost accounting and inventory management
• Proven experience in manufacturing or retail environment preferred
• Strong background in ERP systems and inventory management software

Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Professional certification preferred (CIMA, or equivalent)

What You Will Be a Part Of

SGD has reinforced its position as a leading South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities including electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets. These capabilities are supplied and supported over the air, land, sea and civil security domains.

With new and improved technological systems and solutions, SGD increases a country’s defence capabilities and provides innovative, effective products and services for those tasked to maintain security. The company also works with various stakeholders in gathering data and providing insight into how security threats evolve, and what the best market-customised solutions are.

If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a challenging team setting, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different yet we share the same goal - to help protect people.

SGD will give preference to South African citizens and we also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received feedback from us within 30 days after the closing date.