Position Summary
The Regional Financial Controller is responsible for and has overall responsibility for the finance function and oversees end-to-end accounting processes, finance project management, financial controls and compliance and regulatory reporting. The incumbent will be responsible for directing Southern Africa growth through strategic financial analysis to maximize profitability and return on investments.
The Regional Finance Controller is responsible and accountable for (but not limited to) the following:
- Define, contribute to and execute the country financial strategy and direct all financial operations through effective structuring, planning and development to increase performance and facilitate growth in line with the organizations and regions strategic and growth objectives
- Plan and forecast company’s business activities and financial position in area of revenue, expenses and earnings based on expected operations, with primary input from sales and operations functions to ensure forecasts & assumptions are reasonable, consistent with the business activity and accurate
- Contribute to the development of country business strategy, challenging assumptions and decision-making and provide financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers
- Business partnering senior stakeholders across a variety of functions to create genuine value add analysis of supply and demand of business services
- Drive and direct the planning and preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances
- Collaborate with regional and/or corporate stakeholders, as relevant, to communicate financial strategies, performance, and analysis to Management
- Evaluate strategic growth and development options and investment appraisal in line with the organizations short term and long-term strategies
- Provide financial analytical support when assessing the feasibility of current and pursuing new business through identifying opportunities, risk areas and providing recommendations and actions for improvement
- Ensure monthly tax management and reporting in accordance with prevailing tax law, regulations and timelines
- Be a key member of the team that supports in analysis and negotiation of acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships
- Develop and refine financial models in support of business development opportunities. Build valuation models, P&L’s, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow and gain consensus with the business, product and selling units
- Assessment of current finance systems/solutions to support on-going business activity and growth aspirations.
- Oversee and ensure that the company’s financial systems are robust, compliant, and support current business operations and facilitate future growth objectives
- Monitor and review financial audit process performed by external audit as a management representative to ensure that audit process is adequate and well performed
- Lead, mentor, develop and retain the Finance team with the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly and to drive the financial strategies of the organization
- Co-ordination, preparation and submission of an annual budget and monthly forecasts
- Evaluation and preparation of major sales bids and managing and monitoring performance of projects; accounting for long and major short-term customer projects according to IFRS
- Ensure that all financial matters within the department are in accordance with legislation and ethical accounting practices
- Perform other duties as requested by the line and functional managers
Education, Experience, Training and Special Skills
- Degree with a specialization in Finance, Accounting or a related field/ Internationally recognized Professional Accounting Qualification
- At least 12 - 15 years of professional experience, preferably with five or more years in a senior financial role within a similar industry
- Big 4 work experience (PWC, Deloitte, E&Y, KPMG)
- Fluent working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
- Experience working with ERP systems (SAP) and planning & reporting technologies (Hyperion, BIW, Tableau, etc.)
- Proactive leader who consistently demonstrates initiative, problem solving and decision-making skills
- Excellent analytical skills with ability to interpret strategic data
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or external stakeholders
- Ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers
- Commercial acumen and insight
- Ability to travel as required - there is a considerable amount of travel required to fulfil this role
- Fluent in English and command over other regional languages will be an added advantage
Behavioral Competencies
- Customer Focus
- Achieving Results
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Passion and Commitment
- Adaptable
Physical Demands / Work Conditions
- Frequent travel within the region (20-30%) and intermittent international travel, as required