Finance Controller – Farming

ExecutivePlacements.com - The JOB Portal; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading player in the agricultural sector is seeking an experienced Finance Controller to manage financial operations within their Farming Division. Responsibilities include overseeing daily finance operations, managing the profit and loss while supporting budgeting and compliance efforts. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, 3-5 years of experience, and strong Excel skills, with a focus on agriculture or commodities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a similar role.
• Industry experience (agriculture/commodities) highly advantageous.
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage all daily finance operations for the Farming division.
• Own and manage the farming profit and loss (P&L).
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent English communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong team management track record

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Finance Controller – Farming

Recruiter:

Frank Consult

Job Ref:

3189261925

Date posted:

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Location:

Stellenbosch, South Africa

SUMMARY:

POSITION INFO:

A leading player in the agricultural sector is looking for an experienced and driven Finance Controller to take ownership of the financial operations within their Farming Division. This is a critical role responsible for ensuring accurate, independent, and timely financial and operational reporting, while supporting best practices in financial management across farming activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Function Oversight

– Manage all daily finance operations for the Farming division

– Approve invoices, purchase orders, journals, and SVAs within 24 hours

– Lead and develop the Farming Admin team (succession planning, cross-training, one-on-ones, and career growth)

Financial Reporting & Analysis

– Own and manage the farming profit and loss (P&L)

– Track crop tonnages accurately through internal systems

– Reconcile transport records against harvest/delivery volumes

– Allocate basis costs per farm, crop, and storage location

Systems & Reporting Accuracy

– Reconcile daily/monthly data across Excel models, SAP GL, T1, MIS, and MBOR

– Validate trade positions and ensure complete, accurate reporting across various systems

– Manage WBS and farming location updates in SAP ERP

Budgeting & Forecasting

– Support budgeting (OPEX and CAPEX), including presentation and system uploads

– Monitor budget vs actuals and maintain forecasting accuracy

Balance Sheet & Compliance

– Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations

– Calculate IFRS16 lease liabilities using internal systems

– Maintain inventory control and ensure accurate biological asset valuations

Process Improvement & Tech Enablement

– Identify opportunities for automation (e.g., Power BI)

– Improve financial processes and maintain data integrity

Audit & Compliance

– Handle all audit queries related to the farming division

– Prevent recurring audit findings (particularly inventory and IFRS16-related)

Business Support

– Conduct farmer reconciliations and profitability reviews

– Support operations with reporting and insights

– Prepare VAT/diesel reclaim submissions and journals

– Assist with the preparation of reporting schedules

– Provide training to finance team members as needed

Requirements:

– Tertiary qualification in Finance (Bachelor’s degree essential)

– Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a similar role

– Industry experience (agriculture/commodities) highly advantageous

– Strong team management track record

– Advanced Excel skills

– Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

– Experience with SAP and ERP systems

– Exposure to grain and commodity trading

– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

– Resilient, proactive, and independent

– Highly organised with strong time management

– Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders

– High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail

Location: Stellenbosch

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Remuneration: Market-related

Start date: As soon as possible