Financial Controller; Renewable Energy

Introduction

An international renewable energy organisation in the utility sector.

An established renewable energy organisation is seeking an experienced Finance Controller to take ownership of financial controllership across a diverse Southern African portfolio. This role is critical in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong governance, tax compliance, and robust internal controls, while supporting business growth and complex project environments.

The role works closely with the FP&A Manager, Middle Office / Project Finance teams, and external advisors, and includes statutory responsibilities as a SARS Public Officer.

• Act as custodian of accurate, valid, and timeous financial information across the group.

• Manage all accounting operations, including Treasury, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Intercompany, Fixed Assets, Payroll, and General Ledger.

• Lead and support month-end and year-end close processes.

• Ensure validity, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial transactions.

• Prepare and present actual financial results for internal management, boards, and committees.

• Coordinate and manage the preparation of Half-Year and Annual Financial Statements.

• Oversee regulatory reporting requirements (e.g. CIPC, NERSA).

• Manage and coordinate external and internal audit processes.

• Serve as SARS Public Officer and manage all tax filings and audits (Income Tax, VAT, Withholding Tax).

• Ensure ongoing compliance with IFRS, statutory requirements, and financial regulations.

• Develop, document, and implement accounting policies in line with regulatory and group standards.

• Oversee corporate governance compliance in line with the Companies Act, MOI, and Shareholder Agreements.

• Coordinate insurance matters in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

• Maintain the integrity of financial systems and ERP platforms (including Finance ERP, COUPA, Flo Qast, and related applications).

• Design, implement, and monitor effective internal control frameworks.

• Develop and document business processes and standard operating procedures.

• Drive process improvement, automation, and simplification initiatives to support business scalability and cost efficiency.

• Manage, coach, and develop the controllership team.

• Provide active support to the FP&A team and champion continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support Project Finance / Middle Office teams in meeting lender and project lifecycle requirements.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards applicable to management roles.

• Promote a culture of safety awareness, risk mitigation, and environmental responsibility across the team.

• Direct report: Head of Finance

• Team responsibility: A controllership team comprising Financial Accountants and a Construction Accountant

• Registered Chartered Accountant in South Africa (CA(SA)) or equivalent

• Proven experience applying IFRS standards

• 5–15 years’ proven experience in a Finance Manager / Financial Accounting Manager / Finance Controller role

• Demonstrated experience managing complex group structures and project-based environments

• Strong knowledge of South African statutory legislation and regulatory requirements

• Solid experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools

• High level of commercial and business acumen

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

• Minimum 3–5 years of successful people management experience