Financial Controller

Network Finance; Phalaborwa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance seeks a Financial Controller to take ownership of the full financial function, lead the finance team, and drive robust internal controls within a safari hospitality environment.

You will oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and monthly management accounts, partnering with operational management to boost business performance and ensure statutory compliance across the lodge operations.

Qualifications

• BCom degree in Accounting, Finance, or related qualification.
• Proven leadership experience in finance roles.
• Experience in safari lodge/hospitality environment is essential.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience implementing financial procedures and strengthening internal controls.
• Strong understanding of safari industry dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the full financial function.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Implement and improve financial procedures, systems, and internal controls.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow.
• Partner with operational management to improve business performance.
• Oversee procurement controls, inventory, and cost management.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and audit requirements.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies across the business.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the full financial function.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Implement and improve financial procedures, systems, and internal controls.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow.
• Partner with operational management to improve business performance.
• Oversee procurement controls, inventory, and cost management.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and audit requirements.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies across the business.

Job Experience & Skills Required

Education

• BCom Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related qualification.

Experience

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Financial Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Previous experience within a safari lodge, private game reserve, or safari hospitality environment is essential.
• Demonstrated management experience leading finance teams.
• Proven track record of implementing financial procedures and strengthening internal controls.
• Strong understanding of the financial and operational dynamics unique to the safari industry.

Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong financial reporting and analytical ability.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organisation.
• Commercially astute with a proactive, hands‑on approach.
• Own reliable transport.