Financial Controller

Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NGO in marine conservation located in South Africa seeks an experienced Financial Controller to oversee the financial performance of multiple projects. The role involves preparing annual budgets, forecasts, and financial models, while ensuring compliance with ESG standards and managing financial reporting to partners. Ideal candidates will have an advanced degree in finance or accounting, with significant experience in financial control, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, or management control required.
• Experience in financial control or audit in multi-entity environments is essential.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and budgeting required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor financial performance and identify corrective actions.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and a 10-year financial model.
• Ensure ESG compliance and regular reporting to partners.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Modeling

Accounting

Communication in English

Education

Advanced degree in finance, accounting or related field

Tools

Financial systems/ERP

Advanced Excel

Job description

/!\ PLEASE SEND PERSONALISED COVER LETTER ALONG WITH YOUR CV.

About Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas

Blue Alliance is a leading NGO dedicated to regenerating oceans at scale through marine conservation and blue economy initiatives. We manage large Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the world and develop sustainable businesses that benefit coastal communities.

Your Mission

As Financial Controller, you will play a key role in a fast-growing, multi-project environment across different geographies. Reporting to the CFO, you will act as a strategic partner to operational teams and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor financial performance of the different entities and identify corrective actions
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and a 10-year financial model for each business
• Manage funding flows from the impact loan facility
• Ensure ESG/ESAP compliance
• Ensure reporting to financial partners
• Supervise accounting closures and strengthen internal controls

Why Join Us?

Be part of a mission-driven organization scaling rapidly to protect 25% of the world’s coral reefs by 2050.

Main Responsibilities

1. Financial Performance Management

• Monitor financial performance across entities and MPAs.
• Identify deviations from financial plans or annual budgets.
• Analyze root causes and propose corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue growth.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Modeling

• Prepare annual budgets and financial forecasts for all entities and MPAs.
• Coordinate the budgeting process with local teams and headquarters.
• Build and maintain a 10-year financial model with clear milestones and timelines for each business and funding plan.

3. ESG/ESAP Plan & Reporting to Donors/Lenders

• Update ESG/ESAP plans based on identified risks to ensure environmental, social, and governance compliance.
• Guarantee regular, complete ESAP reporting in line with financial partners’ requirements.

4. Grant Reporting & Accounting Integration

• Prepare financial and non-financial reports for donors, strictly following required formats and deadlines.
• Integrate each grant into the ERP system according to approved financing plans and ensure proper integration into the group accounting system and alignment with analytical dimensions (by project, MPA, donor, etc.).

5. Accounting Closures & Internal Controls

• Supervise monthly and annual accounting closures with the CFO and local accounting teams.
• Ensure reliability of accounts, proper allocation of expenses/revenues, and timely closures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procedures and internal controls, especially for funding and grants (traceability, balance justification, compliance with financing plans).

Profile Required

• Advanced degree in finance, accounting, management control or equivalent (Master’s level).
• Significant experience in financial control, management control or audit, ideally in a multi-entity environment and/or donor-funded projects (NGOs, foundations, international groups, impact projects).
• Strong skills in financial analysis, modeling, and budgeting.
• Proficiency with financial systems/ERP and advanced Excel; experience in reporting implementation is a plus.
• Ability to work in an international environment with diverse stakeholders (local teams, management, donors, lenders, partners).
• High autonomy, organizational skills, and rigor.
• Analytical mindset, ability to take a step back and propose concrete solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, French would be a plus