Financial Controller

E-XHALE; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

E-XHALE, a distribution and marketing business based in Cape Town, seeks a Financial Controller to lead the end-to-end finance function, supervise the bookkeeping team of four, and partner with the external accounting firm.

You will own month-end close, cash flow forecasting, budgets, and compliance with SA tax/VAT/PAYE, while driving automation and process improvements in a growing business.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a finance role with supervisory or management exposure.
• Experience overseeing a bookkeeping function and managing relationships with external accounting firms.
• Strong understanding of South African tax and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between the business and its external accounting firm.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of bookkeepers across the full accounts function.
• Own month-end close, cash flow forecasting, budgets, and variance analysis for the MD.
• Ensure internal controls, accuracy of financial records, and timely reporting.

Job description

Start Date: August 2026

POSITION PURPOSE

The Financial Controller is a senior finance role responsible for the end-to-end management of E-XHALE's internal finance function. The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison between the business and its third-party accounting firm, assume full accountability for the bookkeeping team, and take ownership of the financial systems, controls, and reporting frameworks that underpin the organisation's commercial operations.

This position is designed for a commercially minded finance professional who is equally capable of managing operational financial processes, leading a small team, and driving the systems innovation required to support a growing business. The role reports directly to the Managing Director and is expected to operate with a high degree of ownership and initiative.

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

E-XHALE is a distribution and marketing business based in Cape Town. As the business continues to grow, this role has been created to establish a robust internal finance function - one that provides leadership with timely, accurate financial intelligence and ensures full compliance with South African statutory requirements. The Financial Controller will play a central role in building and maintaining the financial infrastructure of the business.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the business and its third-party accounting firm
• Ensure the timely and accurate provision of all financial data, documentation, and reconciliations required by external accountants
• Coordinate year-end processes, audit preparation, and statutory submissions in collaboration with external advisors
• Translate outputs from the accounting firm into actionable management reporting for internal stakeholders
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of four bookkeepers across the full accounts function
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and support the professional development of direct reports
• Allocate responsibilities across the team to ensure appropriate coverage of AP, AR, payroll, and reconciliations
• Build a high-performance finance team culture aligned to the standards and values of the business

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Own the month-end close process and ensure the delivery of accurate, timely management accounts
• Prepare and present cash flow forecasts, budgets, and variance analysis for the Managing Director
• Monitor financial performance against targets and proactively flag risks, shortfalls, and opportunities
• Maintain the integrity of all financial records and ensure adherence to internal controls and approval frameworks

Systems, Process & Innovation

• Assess current financial systems and processes and identify opportunities for improvement and automation
• Design and implement enhanced workflows that improve accuracy, efficiency, and visibility across the finance function
• Maintain and develop the accounting system environment - ensuring it is fit for purpose as the business scales
• Document all financial processes and controls to ensure business continuity independent of individual personnel

Compliance & Statutory Requirements

• Ensure full compliance with South African statutory obligations including VAT, PAYE, UIF, and income tax
• Manage SARS submissions and maintain accurate records in preparation for any regulatory review or audit
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners as required
• Monitor changes in relevant legislation and ensure the business remains compliant at all times

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, or a related field - B.Com, CIMA, SAIPA or equivalent
• Professional membership or registration advantageous but not essential where commensurate experience exists

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a finance role, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity
• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing a bookkeeping function
• Proven experience working alongside or managing relationships with external accounting firms
• Strong working knowledge of South African tax and compliance requirements
• Experience developing or improving financial systems and operational processes
• Commercially minded - able to interpret financial data in the context of business performance, not merely report it
• Highly structured and process-oriented, with the ability to build and improve systems in a growing business environment
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to develop and hold a small team accountable
• Detail-oriented and accurate, with a low tolerance for error in financial reporting
• Able to operate with a high degree of autonomy and take ownership of the finance function end-to-end
• Proficient in Pastel & SAGE and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Clear and confident communicator capable of presenting financial information to non-finance stakeholders

COMPENSATION

A competitive package will be offered commensurate with the level of experience, qualifications, and demonstrated track record of the successful candidate. Full details will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.