Senior Finance Controller

Exclusively Remote; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Exclusively Remote seeks a Senior Finance Controller to own the finance function in a fast-paced property environment. The role requires hands-on leadership, expert QuickBooks usage, and financial oversight across multiple properties or entities.

You will manage GL, reporting, cash flow, and ensure compliance while driving process improvements and strategic financial insights to support decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Finance Controller or Senior Accountant in property/real estate.
• Proficient in QuickBooks (non‑negotiable).
• Experience with accounts payable and receivable.
• Strong knowledge of property financials, leases, and cost management.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical ability.
• Experience managing multiple entities or portfolios.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• High attention to detail in a high‑volume, deadline‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full finance function including GL, reporting, and compliance.
• Manage and optimize accounting processes in QuickBooks.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, financial statements, and cash flow forecasts.
• Handle property-specific accounting including rental income, leases, and expenses.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Perform bank reconciliations and oversee cash management.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ensure tax compliance and internal controls.
• Monitor WIP, cost allocations, and project-based financials.
• Liaise with auditors, tax consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency.
• Provide strategic financial insights to support decision-making.

Skills

Excel

Financial analysis

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Multi-entity management

Commercial awareness

Tax compliance

Education

CA(SA) / CIMA / ACCA

Tools

QuickBooks

Job description

Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Finance Controller to take full ownership of the finance function within a fast-paced property environment. This role requires a hands‑on professional with strong expertise in QuickBooks, property accounting, and financial oversight. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, detail‑oriented, and confident managing complex financial operations across multiple properties or entities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full finance function, including general ledger, reporting, and compliance
• Manage and optimize accounting processes within QuickBooks
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, financial statements, and cash flow forecasts
• Handle property‑specific accounting, including rental income, lease schedules, and property expenses
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accuracy and timely processing
• Perform bank reconciliations and oversee cash management
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, statutory requirements, and internal controls
• Monitor and manage WIP, cost allocations, and project‑based financials where applicable
• Liaise with auditors, tax consultants, and external stakeholders
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy
• Provide strategic financial insights to support business decision‑making

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Finance Controller / Senior Accountant within the property or real estate industry
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks (non‑negotiable)
• Solid experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions
• Strong understanding of property financials, lease structures, and cost management
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical ability
• Experience managing multiple entities or portfolios is highly advantageous
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to work in a high‑volume, deadline‑driven environment

Key Competencies:

• Financial leadership and ownership mindset
• Strong problem‑solving and process improvement skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound financial decisions
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking

Nice to Have (But Not a Dealbreaker):

• Relevant finance qualification (CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent)
• Experience with property management systems alongside QuickBooks
• Team management experience