Financial Controller

Smith Garb and Associates CC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Part time

Job summary

A global leader in data and artificial intelligence is seeking a Financial Controller to take ownership of statutory audits and ensure compliance within the finance team. This role requires a qualified accountant with proven experience in leading audits, strong IFRS knowledge, and a solutions-driven mindset. The Financial Controller will engage with stakeholders to prepare financial documentation, manage relationships with external auditors, and support compliance initiatives. This opportunity is for a contract position and requires immediate availability.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Accountant.
• Proven experience as the primary liaison during statutory audits.
• Advanced knowledge of IFRS, with strong exposure to IFRS 15.

Responsibilities

• Assess historical financial information for audit completion.
• Engage with stakeholders for statutory audit evidence.
• Manage relationships with external financial statement preparers.
• Lead interactions with external auditors.
• Identify gaps and implement process improvements.

Skills

Financial Controller experience

Statutory audits

IFRS knowledge

Strong technical accounting knowledge

Audit management expertise

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Accountant (CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA, CPA)

Job description

Are you a tenacious, detail-driven Finance Professional ready to take ownership of complex statutory audits and drive an organization to full compliance? A global leader in data and artificial intelligence is seeking a Financial Controller to join their high-performing Finance team. This organization is recognized worldwide for its transformative software solutions that turn data into actionable intelligence. If you are looking for a dynamic career where your expertise can create real impact, this opportunity is for you. This is a contract / temporary position and requires candidates to be IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE.

About the Role

The Finance team requires an experienced Controller to assume direct ownership of all audit-related deliverables. The South African entity is currently multiple years in arrears, and the successful candidate will lead the process of bringing all financial periods up to date and fully compliant with IFRS and statutory requirements. This role demands a highly skilled, inquisitive professional with strong technical accounting knowledge, audit management expertise, and a hands‑on, solutions‑driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess historical financial information and prepare supporting documentation required for audit completion.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to obtain all supporting evidence needed for statutory audits.
• Manage the relationship with external financial statement preparers to ensure IFRS‑compliant financials for all outstanding periods.
• Lead interactions with external auditors, ensuring proactive engagement and delivery within agreed timelines.
• Identify gaps, implement process improvements, and support the Finance team in achieving ongoing compliance.

Provide support to Financial Leadership on various deliverables, including :

• Current‑period controllership tasks in coordination with the South African Controller
• Audit and compliance support for other African entities (Nigeria and Morocco)
• Corporate Income Tax, VAT, and Transfer Pricing matters
• Uphold and embody the organisation’s core values in all aspects of work.

Required Experience & Competencies

• Strong experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Accountant.
• Qualified Accountant – ideally CA(SA); ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent designation will also be considered.
• Proven experience as the primary liaison during statutory audits.
• Advanced knowledge of IFRS, with strong exposure to IFRS 15, IFR