Senior Finance Controller

The Ernst and Young Finance function in South Africa manages Africa and reports into EMEIA.

The function is led by the Africa Regional Finance Lead. An opportunity has arisen for a Southern Cluster Controller.  

Reporting to the Southern Cluster Finance and Operations Business Partner Lead and working in close collaboration with the Country Finance, the Southern Cluster Controller is responsible for oversight of all finance and accounting for the EY Southern Cluster in Africa. This includes offices located in Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

This is a position working at both the strategic and detailed level within the Cluster and will oversee, support and/or directly perform, when necessary, the controlling, payroll and tax compliance.

The incumbent must have the passion, willingness and ability to deal with an extensive number of people at both senior and junior levels that require financial information and reports.  Exceptional client service is required, whilst simultaneously upholding and maintaining appropriate corporate governance standards and principles.

The position requires an accountant that has broad knowledge on various accounting concepts, reconciliations (general ledger /creditors), IFRS standards, accounting and taxation principles and knowledge of system controls and procedures,

Reporting Relationships:

Reporting to the Southern Cluster Finance and Operations Business Partner Lead and working in close collaboration with the Country Finance.

There is close interaction with the Regional Finance team.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Conduct daily, weekly and monthly review of financial accounts across the sub-area and engage Country Finance teams for feedback on specific questions/ queries, including items raised by Regional Finance and Operations
• Oversee, directly support and/or perform when necessary, all Country ledgers, and reporting ensuring compliance with appropriate standards and regulatory requirements for respective Southern Cluster entities
• Working closely with the Regional Finance team, this position ensures that there are effective financial and accounting system controls and consistent standards in place in the countries where programs are operating. The accountability of this position is to drive excellence in business operations, finance, systems and processes
• The incumbent must also understand the creditors, debtors, general ledger, and payroll functions with an ability to obtain a detailed understanding / ability to make process/ procedure recommendations through interactions with the various teams
• Assist in the rollout of any financial and operational models/ tools developed by the Regional team across the sub-area
• Develop and maintain internal control and safeguards, including policies and procedures
• Execute on financial and operational projects as required from time to time meeting relevant quality standards and deadlines.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Experience coordinating and managing controlling, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and business operations
• Technology savvy with SAP experience desirable
• Demonstrate ability to recruit, mentor, train and retain a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data 

 Key Attributes: 

• Travel required – 30% to 40% in the Southern Cluster
• Quality focused and output oriented
• Self-starter, with initiative to manage with minimal direction
• Challenging and curious mindset, with a business/commercial outlook
• Team player
• Passionate and professional communicator
• Professional services background would be advantageous
• Excellent knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of SAP would be advantageous