Group Financial Controller

Houst; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global platform for short-let property management is seeking a Group Financial Controller in Cape Town. This strategic role involves overseeing financial governance, reporting, and operational control across global entities. The ideal candidate will have a strong financial background, leadership skills, and experience in managing complex finance functions. Join a high-growth, innovative team and shape the finance function from a strategic vantage point.

Benefits

Remote flexibility

Collaborative culture

Opportunity to shape finance function

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of post-qualification experience.
• Experience managing a complex finance function with multiple legal entities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all group-wide financial reporting.
• Implement and enforce financial controls across all entities.
• Manage and mentor a growing team of finance professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Financial Control

Governance

Automation

Education

Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Xero

Looker

Job description

About Houst

Houst is a leading global platform for short-let property management, operating across multiple markets with thousands of homes under management. We deliver tech-enabled, end-to-end hosting services that maximise rental income for property owners across platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.

We are entering a new phase of strategic growth and are looking for a Group Financial Controller to transform our financial operations across all markets from our Cape Town hub.

Role Overview

As Group Financial Controller, you will play a key role in delivering financial governance, reporting excellence, and operational control across our global entities. This role is both strategic and hands-on, ideal for a qualified finance professional with a sharp commercial mind and a passion for leading change.

Based in Cape Town and reporting directly to the company Directors, you will oversee group-level accounting and compliance, manage intercompany processes, and ensure standardisation across all financial functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all group-wide financial reporting, including consolidated management accounts, statutory accounts, and board packs.
• Own and drive group balance sheet integrity, ensuring reconciliations and intercompany eliminations are accurate and timely.
• Implement and enforce financial controls, policies, and procedures across all operating entities.
• Develop and refine group consolidation processes, enhancing automation and system efficiency.
• Lead the finance team embedding a culture of continuous improvement during a period of transition.
• Provide financial leadership on cross-border tax, FX exposure, and group cash flow management.
• Manage and mentor a growing team of finance professionals based in Cape town SA

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) – essential.
• Minimum of 3+ years of post-qualification experience, including group consolidation and multinational exposure.
• Demonstrable experience in managing a complex finance function with multiple legal entities and currencies.
• Demonstrable experience of ownership of revenue recognition, client money management, and complex transactional flows
• Proven track record of working with high volume transactions and associated controls & automation
• Proven track record of financial control, governance, and systems improvement at group level.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, including managing remote or cross-border teams.

• Prior experience in a tech-enabled or fast-scaling business
• Familiarity with cloud-based finance systems such as Xero, Looker, or equivalent.
• Understanding of multi-currency consolidation, transfer pricing, and cross-border tax issues.
• Professional audit experience is advantageous.

Why Join Houst?

• Opportunity to shape and lead the finance function of a global business from a strategic vantage point.
• Be part of a high-growth, innovative, and international team.
• Enjoy a collaborative culture with remote flexibility and Cape Town-based leadership.