Retail Controller

JOB TITLE : Retail Controller

Department : Ares Holdings, Finance

Reporting to : Retail Controller Team Lead

Direct reports : None

Key customers : Retail Stores, HQ Finance, External Payment Partners

Main purpose : The Retail Controller is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely point of sale (POS) reconciliation across all retail stores. This includes validating all payment methods (cash, card, digital wallets), identifying and resolving variances, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. The role supports operational teams through timely feedback, trend analysis, and compliance with company policies.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 1: RETAIL POS RECONCILIATION

• Reconcile daily POS transactions from all retail stores.
• Validate all tender types (cash, card, vouchers, digital payments).
• Identify, investigate, and resolve POS variances.
• Collaborate with store managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor banking and cash-up processes for accuracy.
• Prepare weekly and monthly POS reconciliation reports.
• Highlight recurring issues and propose corrective actions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 2: REPORTING & ANALYSIS

• Prepare accurate daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliation reports.
• Analyse POS trends and highlight anomalies.
• Report unresolved issues to the Group Accounting Manager.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and reconciliations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 3: PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & COMPLIANCE

• Review and improve POS reconciliation processes.
• Ensure compliance with finance and audit policies.
• Support system enhancements related to POS and reconciliation tools.
• Assist in training store teams on best practices.

KEY LEADERSHIP & INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCIES

(Behaviours that enhance the desired culture, values, and the pursuit of the core purpose of the business)

• VALUES:
• We believe in the power of brands and growing brands responsibly.
• We believe in developing and building our teams for the benefit of all stakeholders.
• We believe in continuous investment into our people and our business platforms.
• We care deeply about our environment and our people.
• LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURS
• Effective Communication: Clearly communicates with teams and customers about payment terms and issues.
• Collaboration: Works with sales, finance, and customer service teams to resolve issues.
• Problem-Solving: Addresses debtor issues and disputes promptly.
• Customer Relationship Management: Maintains positive client relationships while ensuring payment compliance.
• Conflict Resolution: Handles disputes with clients constructively.
• Decision-Making: Makes informed decisions on credit limits and collection strategies.

TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

(Specific technical, functional, and professional skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes, and aptitudes that are required to be able to do this job well relative to the delivery of the Main Purpose and Key Accountabilities)

o POS Reconciliation: Strong understanding of point-of-sale processes and related controls.

o Financial Reporting: Ability to prepare accurate reconciliation reports.

o Data Analysis: Skilled in analysing POS data and identifying trends.

o ERP & POS Systems: Familiarity with POS platforms and accounting software.

o Reconciliation Skills: High proficiency in reconciling multi-tender transactions.

o Audit & Compliance: Understanding of audit requirements and financial controls.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The minimum education and experience requirements that are required to be considered

Education

• Certificate or Diploma in Bookkeeping, Accounting, Finance, or a related field (advantageous)
• Basic understanding of accounting principles, including: reconciliations, general ledger postings and allocations and controls

Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ practical finance experience, with demonstrable exposure to:
• POS, cash, card, and electronic payment reconciliations
• High-volume transactional environments
• Hands-on experience in:
• Identifying, investigating, and resolving reconciliation variances
• Preparing daily, weekly, or monthly reconciliation reports
• Experience working on an accounting system or ERP in a retail or operational finance context
• Experience working collaboratively with store operations or non-finance stakeholders

Industry Knowledge

• Working knowledge of retail point-of-sale environments, including:
• Cash-up procedures
• Multiple tender types (cash, card, vouchers, digital wallets)
• Understanding of basic financial controls and audit expectations
• Awareness of the importance of accuracy, timeliness, and compliance in retail financial reporting
• Familiarity with retail banking and settlement cycles is required at a practical level