Senior Finance Controller (Automotive)

Hlabahlosile Trading Projects; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Senior Finance Controller to lead the financial control function for its South African entities. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with financial standards, optimizing costs, and overseeing budgeting processes while providing vital support for decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership experience, proven skills in financial reporting, and a background in the automotive industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in Financial Controlling within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership / senior role.
• Automotive industry experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full financial control function for South African entities.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting and analysis.
• Oversee CAPEX, stock takes, and internal audits.

Skills

Advanced MS Excel

Strong ERP experience

IFRS compliance knowledge

Strong financial acumen

Analytical thinking

Effective communicator

High integrity

Job description

Position Title : Senior Finance Controller

Department : Finance

Location : Durban

Reporting to : Country Finance Manager

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the full financial control function for the South African entities. This role ensures accurate, timeous financial reporting and analysis to enable informed business decisions. Key focus areas include Costing, Internal Controls, Continuous Improvement, CAPEX & Tooling Management, Plant Controlling, and Financial Reporting.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 10 years in Financial Controlling within a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership / senior role
• Automotive industry experience is advantageous
• Financial review and tracking of CI projects in WAVE system
• Measure verification and savings tracking
• Identify and recommend process improvements
• Internal Control
• Ensure compliance with GCF, DoA, and internal policies
• Submit monthly control checks and maintain risk register
• CAPEX, Tooling & Fixed Assets
• Track and report CAPEX & Tooling against budgets
• Perform asset verifications, impairment reviews, and useful life analysis
• Prepare business cases for new investments
• Plant & Country Controlling
• Oversee stock takes, cycle count variances, and stock valuation
• Lead budget and forecast preparation (weekly, monthly, annual)
• Manage expenses, review AP reconciliations and payrolls
• General ledger journal preparation and reconciliations
• Prepare internal / external reports
• Support plant management with financial insights
• Ensure IFRS compliance and Onestream reporting
• Audits & Year-End
• Plan and support internal / external audits
• Complete audit packs and resolve audit findings
• Assist with BBBEE audit preparations
• Statutory Returns & Taxes
• Prepare government incentive applications and tax returns
• Support AFS reviews and BBBEE reports
• Insurance
• Prepare declarations and file claims
• General Support
• Support on WCA, PAYE, VAT, and provisional tax submissions
• Other finance-related duties as required

Skills & Systems

• Advanced MS Excel
• Strong ERP experience (BPCS advantageous)
• IFRS compliance knowledge
• Exposure to manufacturing and automotive environments
• Strong financial acumen & analytical thinking
• Structured and deadline-driven
• Effective communicator and emotionally intelligent
• High integrity and strategic problem solver
• Adaptable, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Self-starter with planning and organizational strengths