Senior Financial Controller (Durban)

Smith Garb & Associates; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational manufacturing powerhouse in Durban is seeking a Financial Controller. This strategic role involves overseeing financial controlling activities, ensuring compliance, and supporting profitability initiatives across South African operations. The ideal candidate will have a CIMA qualification, 8-10 years of experience in financial controlling, and a strong background in manufacturing environments. A hands-on approach and advanced analytical skills are essential to drive plant performance and contribute to operational decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in Financial Controlling within SA entities.
• 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in manufacturing and plant-related functions.

Responsibilities

• Drive plant performance and ensure compliance.
• Manage forecasting, budgeting, and stock controls.
• Prepare CAPEX and tooling registers, project cash flow, and profitability forecasts.

Skills

Costing

Compliance

Financial Controlling

Advanced Excel

Analytical Thinking

Education

CIMA qualification

Tools

ERP systems (BPCS)

Job description

SUMMARY :

Are you a well-experienced Financial Controller with a passion for costing, compliance, and continuous improvement? Our client, a leading multinational manufacturing powerhouse based in Durban, is seeking a strategic, hands-on finance professional to take charge of financial controlling activities across their South African operations.

This is a high-impact role where you’ll drive plant performance, ensure compliance, support profitability initiatives, and partner closely with operations to add true value!

POSITION INFO :

The position requires a fully qualified CIMA candidate (essential) with a minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in Financial Controlling (SA entities), as well as 3 years in a leadership role. A strong background in manufacturing and plant-related functions, with deep expertise in costing, ERP systems (BPCS experience is a big plus), and advanced Excel skills. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, internal controls, and continuous improvement, combined with high emotional intelligence (EQ), strong analytical thinking, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

KPI's include :

Lead all costing and plant controlling activities across SA entities; oversee landed cost calculations, BOM reviews, PPV investigations, and variance reporting; manage APDP and EUR1 submissions; drive WAVE system financial reviews; champion internal controls and ensure alignment with the Global Control Framework; prepare CAPEX and tooling registers, project cash flow, and profitability forecasts; support asset life, impairment reviews, and business cases for new capital investments; manage forecasting, budgeting, stock controls, and expense approvals; conduct GL reconciliations, submit monthly and annual reports (using Onestream), and ensure IFRS compliance; provide financial insights to plant leadership and operational decision-makers.

Additional responsibilities include :

• Contributing to incentive schemes, BBBEE reporting, VAT, tax, and AFS support.