Financial Controller

Somewhere; Remote; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Part time

Job summary

A financial services firm in South Africa seeks a Contract Controller / Fractional CFO for a project-based role focused on FY2025 year-end completion and stabilizing NetSuite. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in year-end reviews and strong NetSuite expertise, ensuring a smooth transition with improved data integrity. This full-time position requires effective communication and collaboration with the internal finance team. Immediate availability is essential, as the project will run for 3-6 months.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with year-end review or audit engagements.
• Advanced expertise in NetSuite system.
• Strong retail and inventory accounting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead FY2025 year-end completion for two entities.
• Stabilize NetSuite processes and improve data integrity.
• Guide the internal finance team during the transition.

Skills

Year-end review support experience

NetSuite expertise

Retail and inventory accounting

Process improvement skills

Communication skills

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Contract Controller / Fractional CFO

Location: Remote
Engagement Type: Contract (Controller up to Fractional CFO)
Duration: 3-6 months (project-based; no extension anticipated)
Time Commitment: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Role Overview

This contract role is focused on completing FY2025 year-end in a complex transition environment and stabilizing NetSuite so a permanent Controller can inherit a clean, reliable accounting environment.

The company completed a major structural and systems transition in 2025, including an entity amalgamation and a NetSuite ERP implementation. This role will lead year-end execution, guide the internal finance team, and improve accounting processes and data integrity-without being pulled into routine transactional work.

Why This Role Is Needed Now

• Amalgamation of 7 corporate entities into 2 (Operating Company + Real Estate Company), including intercompany activity
• ERP transition from QuickBooks Online to NetSuite in 2025
• Urgent need to complete FY2025 year-end cleanly and on time
• Requirement to stabilize NetSuite processes before onboarding a permanent Controller

Project #1 (Non-Negotiable): FY2025 Year-End Completion

• Lead FY2025 year-end for a combined review engagement covering the Operating Company and Real Estate Company
• Deliver a clean, organized year-end package to external accountants by end of January 2026
• Coordinate through completion with final financial statements due March 31, 2026 (bank covenant deadline)
• Provide reconciliation support for major balance sheet accounts
• Support inventory and COGS reconciliation as required for a review engagement

Success Indicators

• Year-end package delivered on time with minimal last-minute issues
• Smooth coordination with external accountants
• Clear, well-supported reconciliations

Project #2: NetSuite Data & Process Stabilization

(Begins once Project #1 is on track)

• Improve NetSuite data integrity and GL posting accuracy
• Refine chart of accounts structure and usage
• Improve inventory and COGS accuracy, including valuation logic and landed cost considerations
• Reduce manual rework in the PO → receiving → vendor bill (3-way match) process
• Implement finance-side close routines and checklists to improve monthly close readiness
• Use standard NetSuite functionality wherever possible
• Recommend and coordinate customizations with a third-party partner when necessary

Success Indicators

• Increased trust in NetSuite financial data
• Reduced manual workarounds
• Clear workflows and exception handling
• Improved close stability and scalability

Team & Collaboration

• Works with an internal finance team:
  • Associate Manager (strong)
  • Junior Accounting Clerk (requires coaching/support)
• Provides guidance and oversight without formal people management responsibility
• Collaborates closely with Operations and IT (NetSuite administrators)
• Operates with no access to banking platforms

Operating Guardrails

• No major changes without President approval
• Minor changes allowed with proactive communication
• Focus on project leadership and team guidance, not day-to-day transaction processing

Ideal Background

• Proven experience supporting year-end review or audit engagements during ERP and/or entity transitions
• Advanced NetSuite expertise, including implementations or major system overhauls
• Strong retail and inventory accounting experience (multi-location, ecommerce, warehouse/DC)
• Practical process operator who improves controls and reduces manual effort
• Clear communicator able to work remotely and manage deadlines across teams
• Experience coaching finance teams through change
• AI knowledge or experience is a strong bonus

End-of-Engagement Deliverables

• FY2025 year-end completed and delivered on time
• NetSuite materially stabilized with improved data integrity and workflows
• Documentation, process notes, and training materials prepared for the incoming permanent Controller