Group Financial Controller

HOBBSRECRUITMENT; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Group Financial Controller in South Africa to manage financial reporting and compliance. The role requires a qualified accountant with at least 7 years of leadership experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to support strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will lead a team and ensure all financial policies and controls are met.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of 6 finance professionals.
• Oversee accurate and timely group-level financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory filings.
• Support the CFO with board reporting packs and investor materials.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Reporting

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Management

Tax Knowledge

Education

Qualified Accountant (Chartered Accountant or equivalent)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Title: Group Financial Controller

Location: Cape Town / Stellenbosch 2 October 2025

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 function and 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 experienced team of 6 people (based in the UK)
• Lead all accounting areas, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory, Treasury & General Ledger
• Processing of general ledger transactions, including accruals and prepayments
• Preparation of monthly consolidated management accounts within timelines
• Monitor cash flow, working capital and liquidity, highlighting risks and opportunities
• Manage banking relationship 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 organisation and build strong internal relationships
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, controls, and accounting standards
• Provide adhoc 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 (e.g. 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‑Sept