Finance Controller, South Africa

UPL-; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading crop solutions provider in Durban is seeking a Southern Africa Financial Controller to oversee financial reporting and operational analysis. The ideal candidate will have a BCom in Accounting, be CA (SA) or CIMA qualified, and have over 5 years in the chemical industry. You'll be responsible for financial management, external stakeholder relations, and treasury control. A strong analytical mindset and proficiency in SAP are essential for this full-time role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in the chemical or similar industry.
• Experience in manufacturing finance and ERP systems like SAP.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial and operational analysis to management.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Manage cash flow and liaise with banks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Lateral thinking

Education

BCom in Accounting or similar

CA (SA) / CIMA qualified

Tools

SAP

QuickBooks

Sage

Job description

Job Title: Southern Africa Financial Controller

Reporting To: Finance Head

Function: Finance

Location: La Lucia Ridge

ABOUT UPL :

UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world's long-term food supply. Winning farmers' hearts across the globe while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable, UPL is the fastest-growing company in the industry. Our successes in the field add up to powerful financials. UPL delivers results from protecting crops that translate into attractive investor value. Based on the recognition that humankind is one community, UPL's overarching commitment is to improve areas of its presence, workplace, and customer engagement.

Our purpose is OpenAg: An agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all. No limits, no borders.

We are one team for maximum impact—one team with shared goals. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs, and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them. We think outside the box and go beyond our comfort zone. We believe in agility; we mix the power of speed with structured processes. And wherever we can, we always believe in having fun.

Role Summary

To provide financial and operational analysis to FD and Exco, as well as to ensure optimized reporting to all stakeholders, including payments to suppliers, collection of cash, and internal controls surrounding these.

Role Responsibilities

Financial Management (Local / Exports)

• Ensure the timely, accurate monthly delivery of results management information and financial reporting packs.
• Review regional head office & company balance sheet reconciliations and sign off the numbers.
• Oversee debtor management and review processes.
• Monitor and review quarterly stock counts results.
• Authorize and ensure accuracy of all stock adjustments.
• Ensure proper recording and protection of all company assets.
• Weekly review of debtor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure creditors are recorded correctly and paid promptly.
• Review and implement accounts payable KPIs weekly.
• Review calculations of purchase price variances and incorporate into accounts.
• Make recommendations regarding monthly IFRS results.
• Ensure intercompany accounts reconcile and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure correct accounting for associate entities and FECs.
• Review and authorize manual journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Authorize foreign exchange rates and review inventory provisions, open purchase orders, and fixed assets.

Operational Function

• Participate in monthly forecast meetings, analyzing operational financial impacts.
• Attend weekly global controllers calls.
• Coordinate and participate in credit management, quarantine stock, tax compliance, and legal meetings.

Templates for Meetings

Develop and review financial templates used in business meetings.

Project Management

• Carry out ad hoc projects, including negotiations, business cases, SAP ERP implementation, and minority valuations.

Strategic

• Provide strategic financial insights to support FD decision-making.
• Manage insurance negotiations and planning for external audits.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Plan internal audits, identify control weaknesses, and coordinate with internal audit functions.

Treasury Control

• Manage cash flow, liaise with banks, negotiate rates, and ensure compliance with treasury policies.

Statutory and Audit

• Oversee statutory statements, audits, and tax submissions, ensuring compliance and timely completion.

Insurance

• Manage insurance claims, review policies, and liaise with insurance teams.

Manage People

• Ensure proper staffing, training, performance appraisals, discipline, and HR policy adherence within the finance department.

External Stakeholder Management

Engage with external stakeholders including suppliers, creditors, banks, auditors, and distributors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Qualifications: BCom in Accounting or similar; CA (SA) / CIMA qualified. 5+ years in chemical or similar industry. Experience in manufacturing finance, ERP systems (SAP, BI reporting). Analytical, interpersonal, lateral thinking skills.

Behavioral Requirements

• Decision-making, accountability, communication, patience, composure, target-driven, flexibility, stress tolerance.

UPL Competencies

• Adaptability & Resilience, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Results Orientation, Execution Excellence, Strategic Orientation, Building Teams and Talent, Customer Centricity.

Key Skills

Accounting software, GAAP, QuickBooks, General Ledger, IFRS, Sage, Regulatory Reporting, Workers' Compensation Law, Budgeting, ERP, Financial Management.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department / Functional Area: Finance

Experience: 5+ years

Vacancy: 1