Remote Financial Controller

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options

Remote-first environment

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Financial Controller for a fully remote leadership role. You will oversee all accounting functions, FP&A, and risk management, shaping the company’s financial future from anywhere with significant autonomy.

You will manage a remote accounting team, ensure GAAP/IFRS compliance, and provide strategic financial guidance to the executive team. Global compliance, controls, and scalable processes are key.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Professional certification (CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA) mandatory.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, incl. 3+ years in a Controller or senior role.
• Proven remote or distributed work experience is essential.
• Strong GAAP/IFRS knowledge and financial reporting experience.
• Experience with FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and modern accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including AP/AR, GL, and payroll.
• Develop and enforce internal controls and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead FP&A functions, budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term planning.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships.
• Coordinate external audits and tax filings.
• Drive process improvements and adopt new technologies.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decisions.
• Mentor and lead a remote accounting team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Analytical

Attention to detail

Remote work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or equivalent

CPA/CA/ACCA/CIMA certification

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Xero

NetSuite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative international tech startup, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Financial Controller to manage its financial operations on a fully remote basis. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all accounting functions, financial planning, and risk management. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in establishing and scaling financial processes in a fast-paced environment. You will play a key role in shaping the company's financial future, ensuring compliance, and providing insightful financial guidance to the executive team. This remote-first position offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a substantial impact from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• Develop and implement robust internal controls and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Lead the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP/IFRS.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships.
• Coordinate and manage external audits and tax filings.
• Drive process improvements and implement new technologies to enhance financial efficiency.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support business decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and lead a remote accounting team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Professional certification (CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or similar senior financial role.
• Proven experience in a remote or distributed work environment is essential.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP/IFRS) and financial reporting standards.
• Experience with financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Proficiency in modern accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex financial operations and drive change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and the significant advantage of being fully remote, providing unparalleled flexibility. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health insurance coverage, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for stock options. You will be part of a dynamic, globally distributed team and have access to professional development resources. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial infrastructure of a growing company and contribute to its international success, working from Mossel Bay, Western Cape, or any other preferred location.