Financial Controller

Higher Ed Partners Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in South Africa is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee accounting functions, ensure compliance, and manage financial reporting. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, relevant experience, and be proficient in Xero. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in a financial role.
• Experience in the education sector is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions including bookkeeping and payroll.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of transactions.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and quarterly forecasts.
• Liaise with key finance officials to ensure timely payments.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations including VAT.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Effective time management

Strong management and collaboration skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Flexibility and adaptability

Excellent Excel skills

Good familiarity with Xero accounting system

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Professional accounting qualification (SAICA, SAIPA, CIMA)

Tools

Xero

Job description

Background

Higher Ed Partners : South Africa (HEPSA) is part of an International group Higher Ed International (HEI) which has been at the forefront of online program management for the past 25 years in the USA, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

HEP South Africa (HEPSA) was established in Johannesburg

HEP South Africa (HEPSA) was established in Johannesburg

Role Summary

HEPSA is seeking a Financial Controller to take the next step in their career.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions including bookkeeping, payables, payroll, invoicing and receivables, intercompany transactions, tax.
• Ensure that all transactions are processed in a timely and accurate manner and that key accounts in the Xero Accounting system are reconciled.
• Perform month end closing and ensure results are complete and accurate.
• Liaise with the key finance officials at University Partners to ensure that their accounts are paid on time and any queries managed and resolved.
• Ensure that all significant accounts in the general ledger are reconciled on a timely basis.
• Oversee the monthly payroll preparation by BDO and ensure timely payments of all related payments.
• Working with the Group Financial Controller in Dallas: prepare the monthly management accounts pack to include an analysis of key variances.
• Prepare and support quarterly forecasts and annual budgeting processes.
• Ensure the finance operation processes are compliant with company policies.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all statutory obligations including VAT, IRP5L.
• Liaison with external audit to perform the annual audit.
• Work with and support the internal departments to ensure finance fully supports business opportunities pile and analyze financial information to support the business with timely and useful information to support decision making, budgeting and ensuring that financial discipline is maintained.
• Liaise with local bankers (Standard Bank) and oversee banking matters.
• Ensure proper safeguarding and management of organisational assets.

Key Attributes & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural awareness.
• Effective time management and ability to deal with multiple priorities at the same time.
• Strong management and collaboration skills with the ability to add value to the wider management team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organization skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, innovative – a change agent.
• Excellent Excel skills for reporting.
• Good familiarity with Xero accounting system.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Professional accounting qualification (SAICA, SAIPA, CIMA).

Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in a financial role.

Experience with Xero.

Experience in the education sector (higher education, private schools, or training institutions) an advantage though not essential.

Strong knowledge of financial regulations, budgeting, and reporting standards.