Finance Controller – Farming

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

A leading player in the agricultural sector is looking for an experienced and driven Finance Controller to take ownership of the financial operations within their Farming Division. This is a critical role responsible for ensuring accurate, independent, and timely financial and operational reporting, while supporting best practices in financial management across farming activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Function Oversight
– Manage all daily finance operations for the Farming division
– Approve invoices, purchase orders, journals, and SVAs within 24 hours
– Lead and develop the Farming Admin team (succession planning, cross-training, one-on-ones, and career growth)

Financial Reporting & Analysis
– Own and manage the farming profit and loss (P&L)
– Track crop tonnages accurately through internal systems
– Reconcile transport records against harvest/delivery volumes
– Allocate basis costs per farm, crop, and storage location

Systems & Reporting Accuracy
– Reconcile daily/monthly data across Excel models, SAP GL, T1, MIS, and MBOR
– Validate trade positions and ensure complete, accurate reporting across various systems
– Manage WBS and farming location updates in SAP ERP

Budgeting & Forecasting
– Support budgeting (OPEX and CAPEX), including presentation and system uploads
– Monitor budget vs actuals and maintain forecasting accuracy

Balance Sheet & Compliance
– Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations
– Calculate IFRS16 lease liabilities using internal systems
– Maintain inventory control and ensure accurate biological asset valuations

Process Improvement & Tech Enablement
– Identify opportunities for automation (e.g., Power BI)
– Improve financial processes and maintain data integrity

Audit & Compliance
– Handle all audit queries related to the farming division
– Prevent recurring audit findings (particularly inventory and IFRS16-related)

Business Support
– Conduct farmer reconciliations and profitability reviews
– Support operations with reporting and insights
– Prepare VAT/diesel reclaim submissions and journals
– Assist with the preparation of reporting schedules
– Provide training to finance team members as needed

Requirements:
– Tertiary qualification in Finance (Bachelor’s degree essential)
– Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a similar role
– Industry experience (agriculture/commodities) highly advantageous
– Strong team management track record
– Advanced Excel skills
– Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)

Desirable Skills and Attributes:
– Experience with SAP and ERP systems
– Exposure to grain and commodity trading
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
– Resilient, proactive, and independent
– Highly organised with strong time management
– Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders
– High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail

Location: Stellenbosch
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Remuneration: Market-related
Start date: As soon as possible