Group Financial Controller

Michael Page; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company in South Africa seeks a Financial Reporting & Compliance professional. You will oversee accounting functions for hotel operations, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting. The ideal candidate has over ten years of experience, a professional accounting degree, and strong communication skills in French and English. This position offers the chance to work with a global company in the hospitality sector.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with a global company in the hospitality industry.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years' experience in a similar role.
• Proven finance and management track record in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the accounting function for the group's Hotel Operating and Property Companies.
• Collaborate closely with hotel finance teams to compile accurate financial reports.
• Lead the year-end audit process, liaising with external auditors.

Skills

Financial reporting

Tax management

Team management

Audit management

Budgeting

Education

Professional Accounting Degree from a reputable university

Job description

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee the accounting function for the group's Hotel Operating and Property Companies ("Group Companies"), including close monitoring and review of the hotel operator scope of responsibilities.
• Collaborate closely with hotel finance teams, the operator, and owner to compile accurate, timely, and compliant financial reports.
• Review and consolidate financial statements, ensuring compliance with group policies, applicable accounting standards, lender requirements, and local regulations.
• Ensure all statutory and internal reporting obligations are met, including management accounts, board reports, and lender & tax management.
• Lead the year-end audit process, acting as the key liaison with external auditors to ensure timely completion and clean audit opinions.
• Maintain relationships with tax advisors and manage the preparation and submission of tax filings, including transfer pricing and owner-level tax obligations, coordinating with the Portfolio Company teams for local, treasury, and capital expenditure activities.
• Support cash and treasury management activities across the Group.
• Monitor capital expenditure transactions, working with the portfolio accountant, project, and hotel teams to ensure assets are accurately recorded and aligned with group accounting policies.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Manage and mentor a small team of Portfolio Accountants, ensuring high standards of performance, development, and collaboration.
• Foster strong working relationships across all group companies and finance teams to ensure accurate and diligent execution of responsibilities.

Controls, Risk & Governance

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all key reconciliations (intercompany, bank, owner accounts) across Group Companies.
• Support the development and implementation of the group's financial controls, risk management framework, and internal policies.

Corporate Administration & Data Management

• Maintain secure and organized records for all Group Companies, including board documentation, statutory filings, and corporate governance materials.
• Ensure that all financial and corporate data storage and backup protocols meet the requirements of regulators, auditors, and internal policies.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, licenses, and internal policies across all Group Companies and departments.
• Act as director or legal representative for selected Group Companies as required, ensuring compliance with all local statutory obligations.
• Travel to portfolio hotels as required to perform on-site duties. Undertake other tasks or responsibilities as assigned. This role description is not exhaustive and may evolve with business needs.

The Successful Applicant

• Professional Accounting Degree from a reputable university.
• Proven finance and management track record in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Ten or more years' experience in a similar role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English.
• Experience in managing a team.
• Experience in a professional services environment would be advantageous.
• Experience in African markets and in the hospitality industry (USALI principles) would be desirable.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to work with a global company in the hospitality industry.

If you are a motivated finance professional seeking a challenging and rewarding role, apply now to join this exciting organisation.