Financial Controller

Empire Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire Recruitment is seeking an experienced finance manager in Gauteng, South Africa, to lead financial management activities. The successful candidate will oversee reporting, budgeting, and operational finance while ensuring compliance with relevant laws.

The role demands proven experience within manufacturing or FMCG, alongside strong analytical and leadership skills. Ideal candidates should possess a BCom Honours and the ability to partner with various operational teams.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years' relevant financial management experience.
• Experience within manufacturing or FMCG sector.
• Strong management reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly management accounts and financial reports preparation.
• Drive annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Oversee inventory and production costing.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

BCom Honours in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Postgraduate finance qualification (CA(SA), CIMA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the preparation and review of monthly management accounts, financial reports, and year-end reporting packs.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial information across the business.
• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations, journals, and financial controls.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Drive annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and provide variance analysis.
• Deliver meaningful financial insights and recommendations to executive management.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial modelling and business analysis.

Manufacturing & Operational Finance

• Oversee inventory, stock control, production costing, and manufacturing financial reporting.
• Analyse plant performance, operational costs, margins, and profitability.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Ensure robust costing methodologies and inventory controls are maintained.

Compliance, Audit & Governance

• Ensure compliance with IFRS, tax legislation, and statutory requirements.
• Manage VAT, PAYE, corporate tax, and regulatory submissions.
• Lead internal and external audit processes.
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls and governance frameworks.

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Partner closely with operational, production, procurement, and executive teams.
• Lead and mentor finance team members.
• Support business expansion initiatives and operational improvement projects across Africa.
• Travel to regional operations as required to support financial oversight and business performance.

Minimum Requirements

• BCom Honours in Accounting, Finance, or related field (essential).
• CA(SA), CIMA, or other postgraduate finance qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 8–10 years' relevant financial management experience.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing, FMCG, industrial, engineering, or production environment.
• Strong experience in management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing costing, inventory management, and operational finance.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and ERP system experience.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel within Africa.

The Ideal Candidate

• Strategic and commercially minded.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly analytical with exceptional attention to detail.
• Confident operating at executive level.
• Results-driven with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Able to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable working across diverse cultures and regional operations.