Senior Finance Controller (Automotive)

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

Job summary

A major automotive corporation in Durban is seeking a Senior Finance Controller to lead the financial control function. The ideal candidate will manage financial reporting, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and drive process improvements. With over 10 years of experience in Financial Controlling, especially within manufacturing, you're expected to deliver strategic insights and support audits. Strong skills in MS Excel and robust ERP systems are essential for this leadership role.

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, timeous financial reporting and analysis.
• Oversee stock takes, cycle count variances, and stock valuation.

Skills

Advanced MS Excel

Strong ERP experience (BPCS advantageous)

IFRS compliance knowledge

Exposure to manufacturing and automotive environments

Education

BCom Accounting degree

CIMA qualification

Job description

AUTOMOTIVE

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

• BCom Accounting degree
• CIMA qualification (required)

Experience

Minimum 10 years in Financial Controlling within a manufacturing environment

Minimum 3 years in a leadership / senior role

Automotive industry experience is advantageous

Continuous Improvement

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

Financial Reporting

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

Sales reporting

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

Behavioural Competencies

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

Safety- and compliance-conscious