Financial Controller - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

ARE YOU A FINANCIAL CONTROLLER WHO DOES MORE THAN JUST REPORT THE NUMBERS?

If you are a commercially minded finance professional who knows how to take control of debtors, improve cash flow, automate financial processes and bring greater discipline to a growing business, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

A dynamic and fast-growing FMCG / distribution business is looking for an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of its financial administration function and play a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving processes and supporting continued business growth.

This is not a purely desk-bound accounting position. We are looking for someone who is hands-on, operationally strong and confident enough to engage with Sales, Operations and Marketing to drive financial discipline across the business.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day financial administration function, with particular emphasis on:

• Debtors and credit control
• Cash flow management
• Financial reporting
• Financial controls and governance
• Process improvement and automation
• Systems optimisation
• Month-end processes
• Cross-functional financial support

A key focus of the role will be identifying opportunities to replace manual processes with automated solutions, improve reporting and strengthen the overall efficiency and accuracy of the finance function.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Debtors & Cash Flow

• Manage the full accounts receivable function from end to end.
• Implement and enforce effective debt collection procedures.
• Monitor debtor ageing and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
• Work closely with Sales to resolve payment delays, disputes and credit issues.
• Produce accurate weekly debtor reports and cash flow forecasts for management.
• Drive improvements in cash collection and reduce overdue debt.

Financial Systems & Automation

• Identify opportunities to automate financial and administrative processes.
• Build and maintain automated debtor reminder and collections workflows.
• Develop automated financial dashboards and reporting tools.
• Improve the accuracy, efficiency and auditability of financial data.
• Participate in ERP improvements and system implementation projects.
• Use technology and automation to reduce unnecessary manual finance administration.

Financial Administration & Controls

• Oversee the financial administration function.
• Maintain strong internal financial controls.
• Manage customer credit limits, credit applications and approvals.
• Ensure accurate and timely debtor and cash account reconciliations.
• Support and lead month-end close processes.
• Maintain strong financial governance and ensure compliance with established processes.

Operational & Commercial Support

• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing and Operations to embed financial discipline.
• Assist with inventory reconciliation and stock reporting where required.
• Provide financial insight to support business decisions.
• Step into broader operational responsibilities when business priorities require it.
• Influence non-finance teams to improve payment behaviour and financial compliance.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Your performance will be measured through tangible improvements in the finance function, including:

• Reduction and maintenance of debtor days within agreed targets.
• Improved cash collection efficiency.
• Reduction in 60+ and 90+ day overdue debt.
• Accurate weekly and month-end financial reporting.
• Successful automation of manual finance processes.
• Improved financial controls and processes.
• Effective support to Sales, Operations and Marketing.
• Delivery of cross-functional commitments within agreed timelines.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

To be considered, you will need:

• A minimum of 5 years'''' experience in financial management, financial control or senior financial administration.
• Strong, hands-on accounts receivable and credit control experience.
• Proven experience managing debtors and implementing effective collection procedures.
• A demonstrable track record of improving debtor days / DSO.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• Demonstrable experience implementing process automation within a finance environment.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and operational discipline.
• The ability to work cross-functionally and influence non-finance teams.
• A relevant financial qualification, such as BCom Accounting / Finance, National Diploma in Financial Management, or equivalent.
• Experience managing or mentoring finance or administration staff.
• The ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment where finance and operations overlap.
• SA Citizens only
• Must be Criminal Clear
• Must be fluent in Afrikaans
• Must reside innGqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or be willing to relocate

ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE

The following would strengthen your application:

• FMCG, distribution or another high-volume transaction environment.
• Sage Evolution / Sage Evo and/or Pastel experience.
• ERP implementation or significant system improvement experience.
• Experience developing automated debtor reminder or collections workflows.
• Experience creating financial dashboards and automated reporting tools.
• Experience using AI or automation to reduce manual finance administration.
• Inventory and stock reconciliation experience.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior finance or administration staff.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to interpret financial information in a broader business context.