Operational Financial Controller

Invision Hr; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading group in the motor trade and financial services sector is seeking an Operational Financial Controller to manage finance across multiple entities. The role demands exceptional financial skills, with responsibilities including reporting, compliance, and supporting business growth initiatives. The position requires a strong candidate with significant experience, ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment, located in Centurion, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in internal finance and financial reporting.
• Experience in a multi-entity environment preferred.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial function across 5+ related entities.
• Prepare management accounts, trial balances, and reports.
• Establish operational financial policies and compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Multitasking abilities

Financial modelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Professional qualification (e.g., SAIPA, SAICA, ACCA)

Tools

Xero

Sage Pastel

Draftworx

Job description

Our client, a dynamic and fast-growing group in the motor trade and financial services sector, is seeking a highly organized and proactive Operational Financial Controller to oversee the internal finance function across multiple interlinked entities.This role is crucial to ensuring accurate financial records, timely reporting, operational controls, and compliance within a high-volume, transaction-heavy environment.This is a hands-on position that requires someone with strong intercompany accounting experience, an understanding of asset-based financing, and the ability to implement scalable financial systems and procedures.The successful candidate will support executive decision-making and play a key role in preparing the business for further growth and investment readiness.Location : Centurion, GautengReports to : Executive Team & Managing PartnersIndustry : Motor Trade / FinanceType : On-site | Full-timeKey Responsibilities : Financial Management & Reporting : Manage the full financial function across 5+ related entitiesPrepare monthly management accounts, trial balances, and reports for individual entities and consolidated group reportingMaintain accurate general ledger accounts and ensure alignment across booksMonitor, reconcile, and eliminate intercompany transactions for group reportingBring historical financial records (especially for Future Drive) up to date for VAT and audit readinessProvide insights on financial performance to support strategic planning and investment decisionsPolicy, Controls & Compliance : Establish and implement operational financial policies and procedures across all entitiesEnsure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with statutory obligations including VAT, PAYE, and income taxSupport due diligence processes with accurate and timely financial reportingLiaise with auditors, prepare audit packs, and respond to compliance requirementsCash Flow, Treasury & Budgeting : Monitor and manage cash flow requirements across entities and departmentsAssist with planning for loan accounts, funding needs, and capital allocationPrepare budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis reportsEnsure optimal use of group financial resourcesSystems & Process Improvement : Drive the adoption and optimization of accounting systems (including Xero, Sage Pastel, Draftworx, etc.

Improve cost allocation mechanisms, particularly for asset-linked operations (e.g., vehicle reconditioning, insurance, repairs)Identify opportunities for automation, reporting improvements, and operational efficiencyPayroll & Operational Support : Oversee payroll processes and ensure correct statutory deductions and submissionsSupport admin and operational teams in reconciling payments and cost entriesProvide financial leadership to non-financial staff (e.g., operations, admin) where neededPerformance Monitoring & Leadership Reporting : Track KPIs such as accuracy of books, collections, payment allocations, and reporting timelinesProvide monthly reporting by the 7th, with emphasis on management accounts and reconciliationsAssist with performance metrics that align finance with the company's customer growth strategyPrepare reports for executive meetings and support board-level financial insightRequirementsEducation & Experience : Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (essential)Professional qualification or part-qualification (e.g., SAIPA, SAICA, AGA(SA), ACCA) advantageous3-5 years+ in a similar role, ideally within a multi-entity environmentExperience in internal finance, financial reporting, and intercompany reconciliationsTechnical Skills : Proficiency in accounting software (Xero, Sage Evolution / Pastel, Draftworx, Caseware, or similar)Advanced Excel and financial modelling skillsSound knowledge of South African financial reporting and tax legislationAttributes : Meticulous attention to detail and high standards of accuracyStrong multitasking and time-management abilities in a deadline-driven environmentAnalytical, solution-focused mindsetAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and operationally complex businessConfident communicator, capable of engaging across all business levelsOther Requirements : Must be based in or willing to work from Centurion (on-site presence is essential)Willingness to travel to client offices within Gauteng or occasionally Cape Town, as requiredValid driver's license and own transportWilling to work additional hours during peak financial periods (month-end, year-end, audits)