Chartered Accountant

A leading education-focused group company, operating within the private higher education sector, is seeking a high-performing Financial Controller to oversee and strengthen its financial reporting, financial governance and financial control functions.

The role is ideally suited to a technically strong CA(SA) with excellent financial reporting capabilities, strong attention to detail and the ability to provide accurate, meaningful financial information to senior management and group leadership.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring financial accuracy, reporting integrity and compliance across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Reporting & Financial Statements
- Prepare, review and present accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
- Compile monthly management accounts and comprehensive financial reporting packs.
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in line with IFRS requirements.
- Oversee general ledger integrity and ensure accuracy of financial records.
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
- Manage month-end and year-end reporting processes.
- Provide financial commentary and explanations on variances and financial performance.
2. Financial Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with IFRS, accounting standards and internal financial policies.
- Maintain strong financial controls and reporting procedures.
- Lead and coordinate external audit processes.
- Ensure audit schedules, supporting documentation and financial information are prepared accurately and timeously.
- Identify reporting discrepancies, financial risks and control weaknesses.
3. Financial Analysis & Management Reporting
- Analyse monthly financial results, trends and performance indicators.
- Prepare variance analysis against budgets and forecasts.
- Conduct profitability, cash flow and financial performance analysis.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to support management decisions.
- Assist with financial modelling, forecasting and scenario planning.
4. Financial Control & Operational Oversight
- Oversee the accuracy of accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger functions.
- Review bank, balance sheet and intercompany reconciliations.
- Monitor cash flow and working capital.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and reporting efficiency.
- Ensure appropriate internal controls are implemented and maintained.
5. Group Reporting & Business Support
- Prepare financial reports for group-level review and consolidation.
- Work closely with senior management and operational departments.
- Support group financial projects, reporting automation and policy development.
- Provide financial guidance to management on operational and commercial matters.

Minimum Requirements
- Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) – essential.
- Minimum 2 years' post-articles experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting standards.
- Proven experience preparing financial statements and management accounts.
- Strong month-end and year-end reporting experience.
- Experience with financial analysis, reconciliations and audit coordination.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High levels of integrity, accuracy and professional accountability.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple reporting deadlines.

R60,000 to R75,000 CTC per month