Remote Senior Financial Controller

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Laptop provided

Home office stipend

Health insurance and retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Financial Controller for a fully remote role with a fintech client. You will oversee accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in a global, digital-first environment.

Strong IFRS knowledge and leadership in a remote setting are essential. You will guide the finance team, implement internal controls, and collaborate with senior management to drive strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Professional certification (CA(SA), ACCA, CPA) preferred.
• Min 6 years accounting/financial management experience; 2+ in a controller role.
• Strong IFRS knowledge and South African standards.
• Proficient in SAP/Oracle/Xero and advanced Excel.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of internal controls frameworks (SOX-like).
• Excellent organizational, analytical and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including GL, AP/AR and payroll.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements per IFRS and SA regulations.
• Own budget process with department heads; align with strategic goals.
• Perform variance analysis and explain deviations.
• Maintain robust internal controls to protect assets and data integrity.
• Lead tax compliance and liaison with external advisors.
• Mentor finance team and drive continuous improvement.
• Drive financial systems/process optimization.
• Provide insights to senior management for decision-making.

Skills

Budgeting & forecasting

Internal controls

Remote leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

IFRS knowledge

South African standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CA(SA) / ACCA / CPA

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Xero

Advanced Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing fintech company, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Financial Controller to join their fully remote team. This critical role will oversee all aspects of financial operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial regulations, and internal controls, with a proven ability to manage complex financial data in a remote setting. You will play a key role in financial planning, strategic decision-making, and driving operational efficiency across the organization. This position offers the flexibility of remote work, allowing you to contribute from anywhere while being an integral part of a forward-thinking company. We are looking for a self-motivated individual who thrives in an independent work environment and possesses exceptional analytical and leadership skills, essential for navigating the challenges of a global, digital-first financial operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and local regulations.
• Develop and manage the annual budget process, working closely with department heads to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Conduct variance analysis, identifying and explaining significant deviations from budget and forecast.
• Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial data integrity.
• Oversee tax compliance and filings, coordinating with external tax advisors.
• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Drive the implementation and optimization of financial systems and processes.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Professional certification (e.g., CA(SA), ACCA, CPA) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, with at least 2 years in a controller or similar senior role.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and South African accounting standards.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Xero) and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Excellent understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g., SOX).
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, demonstrated in a remote context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfortable collaborating across dispersed teams.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office space suitable for remote work.

Benefits

• A competitive remote salary package up ZAR per annum.
• Flexible working hours and the ability to work from anywhere.
• Company-provided laptop and home office setup stipend.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and training.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Access to innovative financial technology and tools.
• Collaborative virtual team environment and regular virtual social events.
• Supportive management and a culture that values work-life balance.