Financial Business Controller

Simera Sense; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of Earth observation solutions is seeking a Financial Business Controller based in Somerset West. This mid-level position offers the chance to significantly impact strategic decisions, optimize costs, and provide analytical support. The ideal candidate will have a BCom in Management Accounting or similar, alongside 3-5 years of relevant experience. A competitive salary and a friendly working environment are part of the offer.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Friendly working environment

Opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Completion of Articles with a recognised accounting body.
• Hands-on experience tracking budget performance and analysing variances.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with department heads to guide financial decisions.
• Model financial outcomes under various business conditions.
• Evaluate capital expenditures and funding strategies.
• Assist with the budgeting cycle and track variances.
• Identify inefficiencies and drive initiatives to reduce costs.

Skills

Business Partnering

Scenario Planning

Investment Analysis

Budget Preparation

Cost Optimisation

Internal Controls

Financial Reporting

Risk Management

Process Improvement

Education

BCom Management Accounting (CIMA) or similar

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base. Our Holdings Company is in Belgium, and our South African company is based in Somerset West, close to all amenities and diverse natural beauty, providing great lifestyle options.

Are you a finance professional with a passion for driving performance and partnering with operations? We are looking for a Financial Business Controller to join our dynamic team. This mid-level role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, optimise costs, and support operational excellence.

Job Purpose:

Provide strategic financial leadership and analytical support that drives business performance, ensures compliance, and optimises operational efficiency across the organisation.

Responsibilities:

• Business Partnering: Collaborate with department heads to guide financial decisions and improve performance.
• Scenario Planning and Forecasting: Model financial outcomes under various business conditions to support strategic choices.
• Investment Analysis: Evaluate capital expenditures, ROI, and funding strategies.
• Audit Coordination: Liaise with external auditors, ensuring readiness and transparency.
• Budget Preparation and Monitoring: Assist with the budgeting cycle, track variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Cost Optimisation: Identify inefficiencies and drive initiatives to reduce operational costs.
• Internal Controls: implement financial controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
• ERP and Financial Systems Oversight: Ensure systems are optimised for reporting and control.
• Process Improvement: Streamline financial workflows for efficiency and accuracy.
• Performance Analysis: Track KPIs, profitability, and cost drivers across business units.
• Risk Management: Identify financial risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Project Evaluation: Support feasibility studies and post-implementation reviews for strategic initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

BCom Management Accounting (CIMA) or similar

Required Experience:

• 3–5 years ofexperience preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support business decisions.
• Completion of Articles (SAICA, SAIPA, or CIMA) with a recognised accounting body.
• Exposure to coordinating with auditors and ensuring adherence to financial regulations and internal policies.
• Hands-on experience tracking budget performance, analysing variances, and recommending corrective actions.
• Proficiency in using ERP and financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) for reporting and control, with some involvement in system improvements.
• Experience compiling and analysing financial reports, dashboards, and key metrics to assess business unit performance.
• Participation in streamlining financial workflows or implementing more efficient reporting practices.

Recommendations:

• Experience in Manufacturing Finance: Familiarity with cost accounting, inventory valuation, and production variance analysis.
• Knowledge of Standard Costing and Bill of Materials (BOM): Understanding how standard costs are developed and used in manufacturing operations.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Involvement in cost-saving projects, process optimisation, or lean finance practices.
• ERP Systems in Manufacturing Contexts: Experience with manufacturing-focused ERP systems (e.g., SAP PP/MM, Oracle Manufacturing, Syspro).
• Operational Performance Metrics: Understanding of manufacturing KPIs such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), yield, scrap rates, and throughput.
• Inventory and Supply Chain Finance: Experience in managing and analysing inventory levels, working capital, and supply chain cost drivers.
• Capex Project Evaluation in Industrial Settings: Exposure to evaluating capital investments in machinery, plant upgrades, or automation projects.

Special requirement(s):

• Willingness to work overtime.
• Willingness to travel overseas.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter.