Financial Controller

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the company's financial administration function, with a strong focus on debtors management, cash-flow control, financial governance and process automation.
This is a hands-on, operational position suited to a commercially minded finance professional who is comfortable taking ownership rather than simply overseeing processes. The successful candidate will be expected to strengthen financial controls, improve debtor and cash-flow performance, identify opportunities for automation and ensure that financial processes operate accurately and efficiently.
Working closely with the Managing Director, Sales, Operations and Marketing teams, the Financial Controller will play an important role in supporting the company's continued growth while maintaining strong financial discipline across the business.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Debtors & Cash Flow Management Take full ownership of the accounts receivable and credit-control function. 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-related issues. Produce weekly debtor reports and cash-flow forecasts for management. Monitor overdue accounts and drive improvements in cash collection. Manage customer credit limits, credit applications and approvals. Financial Systems & Automation Identify opportunities to automate and streamline financial and administrative processes. Implement automated debtor reminders and collections workflows. Develop and maintain automated financial dashboards and reporting tools. Improve the efficiency, accuracy and auditability of financial systems and data. Lead or contribute to ERP improvements, system enhancements and implementation projects. Continuously review financial processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Financial Administration & Controls Oversee the day-to-day financial administration function. Maintain strong internal financial controls and governance. Ensure accurate and timely reconciliations across debtor and cash accounts. Support and lead month-end closing processes. Ensure financial procedures and controls are consistently applied across the business. Maintain accurate, complete and auditable financial records. Identify and address financial or process-related risks and discrepancies. Cross-Functional & Operational Support Partner with Sales, Marketing and Operations to strengthen financial discipline across the business. Provide financial guidance and support to non-finance teams where required. Assist with inventory reconciliations and stock reporting. Provide management with financial information and insights to support business decisions. Take ownership of broader operational or financial projects as business priorities require. Mentor and support junior finance or administrative staff where applicable. Key Performance Areas Debtor Days (DSO): Reduction and maintenance within agreed targets. Cash Collection: Improved percentage of overdue debt collected within agreed timeframes. Overdue Debt: Reduction in 60+ and 90+ day ageing balances. Financial Reporting: Accurate and timely weekly and month-end reporting with no material errors. Financial Controls: Consistent compliance with internal financial processes and controls. Process Automation: Successful automation and streamlining of manual financial processes. Systems Improvement: Successful implementation of relevant ERP, reporting or financial-system improvements. Cross-Functional Support: Effective delivery of financial and operational commitments across the business. Minimum Requirements Minimum 5 years' experience in financial management, financial control, senior financial administration or a similar role. Strong, hands-on accounts receivable and credit-control experience - not solely an oversight function. Relevant financial qualification, such as: BCom Accounting \/ Finance National Diploma in Financial Management Equivalent financial qualification Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency. Demonstrable experience implementing process automation within a finance environment . Strong understanding of financial controls, reconciliations, debtors and cash flow. High level of accuracy, attention to detail and operational discipline. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work cross-functionally and influence non-finance teams. Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities. Commercially minded with the ability to interpret financial information in a broader business context. Advantageous Experience The following would be strong differentiators: Experience within FMCG, distribution or another high-volume transactional environment . Experience using Sage Evolution and\/or Pastel . Exposure to ERP implementation or significant financial-system improvement projects . Experience developing automated debtor reminders or collections workflows. Experience building financial dashboards and automated reporting tools. Previous experience managing, mentoring or supervising junior finance or administrative staff. Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate financial data into practical business insights.