Senior Finance Controller (Automotive)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

AUTOMOTIVE

Position Title: Senior Finance Controller

Department: Finance
Location: Durban
Reporting to: Country Finance Manager

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the full financial control function for the South African entities. This role ensures accurate, timeous financial reporting and analysis to enable informed business decisions. Key focus areas include Costing, Internal Controls, Continuous Improvement, CAPEX & Tooling Management, Plant Controlling, and Financial Reporting.

Qualifications

• BCom Accounting degree
• CIMA qualification (required)

Experience

• Minimum 10 years in Financial Controlling within a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership/senior role
• Automotive industry experience is advantageous

2. Continuous Improvement

• Financial review and tracking of CI projects in WAVE system
• Measure verification and savings tracking
• Identify and recommend process improvements

3. Internal Control

• Ensure compliance with GCF, DoA, and internal policies
• Submit monthly control checks and maintain risk register

4. CAPEX, Tooling & Fixed Assets

• Track and report CAPEX & Tooling against budgets
• Perform asset verifications, impairment reviews, and useful life analysis
• Prepare business cases for new investments

5. Plant & Country Controlling

• Oversee stock takes, cycle count variances, and stock valuation
• Lead budget and forecast preparation (weekly, monthly, annual)
• Manage expenses, review AP reconciliations and payrolls
• General ledger journal preparation and reconciliations

6. Financial Reporting

• Prepare internal/external reports
• Support plant management with financial insights
• Ensure IFRS compliance and Onestream reporting

7. Audits & Year-End

• Plan and support internal/external audits
• Complete audit packs and resolve audit findings
• Assist with BBBEE audit preparations

8. Statutory Returns & Taxes

• Prepare government incentive applications and tax returns
• Support AFS reviews and BBBEE reports

9. Insurance

• Prepare declarations and file claims

10. General Support

• Sales reporting
• Support on WCA, PAYE, VAT, and provisional tax submissions
• Other finance-related duties as required

Skills & Systems

• Advanced MS Excel
• Strong ERP experience (BPCS advantageous)
• IFRS compliance knowledge
• Exposure to manufacturing and automotive environments

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong financial acumen & analytical thinking
• Structured and deadline-driven
• Effective communicator and emotionally intelligent
• High integrity and strategic problem solver
• Adaptable, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Self-starter with planning and organizational strengths
• Safety- and compliance-conscious