US Controller (South Africa)

Cloud Accountant Staffing; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized staffing agency in South Africa is looking for a Controller to build world-class accounting departments for US companies. This remote role involves overseeing accounting operations, leading a team, ensuring GAAP compliance, and delivering timely financial data. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, over 5 years of US accounting experience, and strong leadership skills. Compensation is based on experience, with multiple perks including remote work options.

Benefits

Monthly pay in USD based on experience

Permanent WFH setup; equipment provided

15 PTO days annually + public holidays

Training and growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of US accounting experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Hands-on experience reviewing monthly close and financial statements.
• Ability to work US business hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff.
• Manage client expectations and present financial results.

Skills

US GAAP understanding

Advanced Excel/Google Sheets

Excellent communication

Problem-solving discipline

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Xero

Job description

Location: South Africa (100% Remote) • Employment Type: Full-time Independent Contractor (exclusive commitment)

About the Job

Help build world-class accounting departments for growing US companies. As a Controller, you will oversee accounting operations, lead a team, strengthen GAAP compliance, drive month-end accuracy, and ensure executives receive clean, timely financial data they can trust.

You will supervise accounting staff, improve processes, resolve complex accounting issues, and serve as a strategic finance partner — bringing clarity, structure, discipline, and insight to leadership teams.

This role blends technical accounting expertise, people leadership, process improvement, and client advisory. Note: Full-time independent contractor role. Exclusive commitment required.

About the Role

You will own financial oversight, quality control, and review responsibilities across multiple client engagements while coaching accounting teams and improving reporting workflows.

Expect to lead and elevate accounting delivery — not just “do the books.”

What You’ll Do

Financial Reporting & GAAP Compliance

• Supervise and review month-end close, reconciliations, and financial statements
• Ensure accuracy, documentation quality, and audit-ready workpapers
• Apply GAAP to increasingly complex accounting areas
• Research and resolve technical accounting issues; document conclusions
• Maintain internal controls, workflows, and checklists

Team Leadership & Coaching

• Train, mentor, and oversee accounting staff
• Delegate work and monitor timelines, quality, and utilization
• Provide structured performance feedback and development plans
• Support onboarding and serve as a technical resource to the team

Client Management & Communication

• Participate in client meetings; present financial results and insights
• Manage expectations and communicate proactively on deadlines and issues
• Translate financials into practical business recommendations
• Strengthen client relationships and support year-round communication

Operational Excellence

• Manage workflow, schedules, and deadlines across multiple engagements
• Improve processes, templates, and automation in accounting systems
• Ensure team productivity and efficient delivery
• Identify risks, report on variances, and recommend corrective actions

Strategic Finance Support

• Develop budgets, cash flow oversight, and forecasts as assigned
• Identify opportunities to strengthen client finance operations
• Assist in special projects (system migrations, audits, cleanup projects)

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years US accounting experience with supervisory responsibilities
• Strong US GAAP understanding and ability to interpret and apply standards
• Hands-on experience reviewing monthly close and financial statements
• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets; cloud-accounting fluency (QBO/Xero)
• Excellent written and verbal English communication
• Strong problem-solving and documentation discipline
• Ability to work US business hours

• CPA or CMA (or equivalent senior-level experience)
• Construction, nonprofit, government contracting, or project accounting experience
• Experience leading distributed teams

The Ideal Candidate

• Operates with ownership, humility, and accountability
• Can lead a team while remaining hands-on and detail-oriented
• Knows when to escalate and when to independently solve issues
• Confident presenting financial data and recommendations to executives
• Process-driven, disciplined, and thrives on continuous improvement
• High integrity and a service-first mindset

Compensation & Perks

• Monthly pay in USD based on experience
• Permanent WFH setup; equipment provided
• 15 PTO days annually + public holidays
• Work with US companies across diverse industries
• Training, learning access, and growth opportunities

Contract & Exclusivity

Full-time independent contractor based in South Africa. Exclusive arrangement — no freelance or part-time work permitted.

How We Work

• Quality-first, documentation-focused culture
• Secure tools, MFA, and structured workflows
• Daily collaboration via Slack/Zoom/Teams
• Standardized processes, review cycles, and accountability

Application Process

1. Application & Prescreening
2. Skills & Aptitude Assessment
3. Profile and Pre-interview Preparation
4. Client Interview
5. Employment Offer and Onboarding

Ready to take the next step? Your next big career move starts here!

Click below to send your application and begin your journey with CAS: