Group Financial Controller

Hobbsrecruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking a Group Financial Controller in Cape Town/Stellenbosch. The role requires overseeing financial reporting, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates should have 7+ years in a leadership role and be a qualified accountant. This position also supports strategic decision-making within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of leadership experience.
• Proven experience as Financial Controller or similar leadership role.
• Experience in FMCG / manufacturing would be desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting areas, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and General Ledger.
• Prepare monthly consolidated management accounts within deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, controls, and accounting standards.

Skills

Financial acumen

Analytical capabilities

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified accountant (preferably Chartered Accountant or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems (e.g. SAP)

Job description

Job Title: Group Financial Controller

Location: Cape Town / Stellenbosch, October

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the CFO (based in the UK), the role will take on full responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the Finance Accounting function, leading a team of 6 people. The Group Financial Controller is a key leadership role within the wider Finance business, responsible for overseeing accurate and timely group‑level financial reporting, controls, and compliance.

The role also plays a crucial part in supporting strategic decision‑making by providing clear and accurate financial insights and analysis to senior leadership.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Manage and develop an experienced team of 6 people (based in the UK)
• Lead all accounting areas, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory, Treasury & General Ledger
• Process general ledger transactions, including accruals and prepayments
• Prepare monthly consolidated management accounts within timelines
• Monitor cash flow, working capital and liquidity, highlighting risks and opportunities
• Manage banking relationships and assist with quarterly bank audits on ABL facility
• Maintain Fixed Asset register
• Manage the statutory year‑end (30 June) audit process and act as the main point of contact for external auditors
• Provide timely consolidation package for shareholders (half year and year‑end)
• Prepare annual group consolidated IFRS financial statements, including subsidiary accounts within timelines
• Oversee group tax compliance by working closely with external tax advisors
• Ensure timely compliance with all statutory, tax, and regulatory filings across jurisdictions, including VAT
• Play a key role in budgeting process in compiling Balance Sheet, P&L and Cash Flow forecasts
• Provide business support to wider organization and build strong internal relationships
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, controls, and accounting standards
• Provide ad‑hoc financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision‑making
• Assist and drive key areas of the business annual insurance renewal process
• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance
• Support the CFO with board reporting packs and investor materials

Personal Specification & Qualifications

• Qualified account (preferably Chartered Accountant or equivalent)
• Minimum 7+ years of leadership experience

Professional Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as Financial Controller or similar leadership role
• Experience with ERP systems (eg SAP)
• Experience in FMCG / manufacturing would be desirable
• Strong financial acumen & analytical capabilities
• Tax knowledge

Functional Skills & Attributes

• IFRS knowledge and preparation of statutory accounts
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Self‑starter, who is accurate and can work independently

Behaviours & Competencies

• Demonstrate company behaviours – Teamwork, Respect, Entrepreneurial and Ethical
• Sense of urgency and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, especially over financial year‑end July‑September