Project Finance and Cost Controller (Brakpan)

SUMMARY:
We are looking to appoint a detail-oriented, analytical and proactive Project Finance and Cost Controller to oversee the financial administration and profitability monitoring of our kitchen manufacturing and installation projects.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that client invoicing is accurate and submitted on time, project financial reconciliations are maintained, contract margins are monitored, outstanding payments are followed up and cash flow information is accurate and up to date.
This is a hands-on position suited to a motivated finance professional who enjoys working with numbers, identifying discrepancies and ensuring that projects remain financially controlled and profitable.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or degree in Accounting, Financial Management, Finance, Cost Accounting or a related field; alternatively, a relevant financial qualification supported by practical experience.
• Approximately 1–3 years of relevant finance or accounting experience, although strong entry-level candidates may be considered.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with Pastel or a similar accounting system will be advantageous.
• Strong numerical ability and an understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Experience with invoicing, reconciliations, debtors or project costing will be advantageous.

• Prepare and issue accurate client invoices in accordance with project contracts and agreed payment milestones.
• Ensure invoices are raised timeously and correctly allocated to the relevant projects.
• Reconcile invoices against contract values, approved variations and payments received.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and follow up with clients and project managers regarding overdue payments.
• Maintain accurate records of invoicing, receipts and outstanding balances.

• Maintain a financial reconciliation for each project from commencement to completion.
• Reconcile contract values, invoices issued, payments received, outstanding amounts and approved variations.
• Identify discrepancies between project records and the accounting system and ensure these are resolved.
• Ensure all project financial records are complete and accurately maintained.
• Prepare final financial reconciliations when projects are completed.

• Monitor the profitability and gross profit margins of individual projects.
• Compare project revenue against estimated and actual costs.
• Identify projects where margins are declining or costs are exceeding expectations.
• Investigate discrepancies and bring potential losses or financial risks to management's attention.
• Provide regular reports highlighting project profitability, cost variances and potential problem areas.

• Maintain an up-to-date overview of expected income and outstanding customer payments.
• Prepare and update weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts based on expected receipts and known financial commitments.
• Track expected payments from clients and identify potential cash flow shortfalls.
• Reconcile income received against invoices and outstanding debtor balances.
• Provide management with regular cash flow updates and highlight any anticipated risks.

• Prepare weekly and monthly financial reports for the Managing Director.
• Maintain accurate financial information using Pastel and Microsoft Excel.
• Assist with debtor reconciliations, financial reporting and supporting documentation.
• Work closely with project managers, management and the external accountant to resolve financial queries.
• Maintain proper filing, documentation and financial controls.

POSITION INFO:
We are looking for a bright, ambitious and numerically strong individual who wants to develop a long-term career in finance within a growing manufacturing business. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working with detailed financial information, following established processes and taking responsibility for the accuracy of their work. They must be confident enough to question discrepancies and bring potential financial problems to management's attention. Previous experience in manufacturing, construction, cabinetry, shopfitting or another project-driven business would be advantageous. Please note: This is primarily a project finance, revenue control and profitability monitoring position rather than a full financial management or bookkeeping role. Kindly apply if you meet the minimum requirements. Should you not hear back from us within 2 weeks consider your application as unsuccessful.