Financial Controller

Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 12/02/2026 | Permanent

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking, on behalf of our client in Cape Town, a highly skilled Financial Controller. This role is responsible for the overall financial health, integrity, and regulatory compliance of the organization. The Financial Controller will oversee all financial operations, ensuring robust controls, accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and grant management.

Key responsibilities include preparing monthly journals, general ledger reconciliations, management accounts, and variance analysis, while maintaining strict compliance with South African regulations and donor reporting requirements.

• Financial Management and Reporting
• Manage day-to-day financial operations including general ledger, bank reconciliations, and payroll processing.
• Maintain accounting systems to ensure accurate reporting.
• Manage service level agreements, raise accruals, and ensure correct account period processing of income and expenses.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management accounts.
• Provide detailed variance analysis versus budgets, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Maintain fixed asset register and calculate monthly depreciation journals.
• Oversee cash flow management and prepare forecasts to meet organizational liabilities.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable ledgers to ensure timely payments and minimize bad debt risk.
• Prepare monthly reports for the Board of Directors and lead the completion of annual financial statements.

• Lead the annual budgeting process and collaborate with management to provide financial guidance.
• Prepare annual forecasts for the Board of Directors.
• Contribute to strategic financial planning and growth strategy.
• Ensure approved budget data is accurately imported into the financial system.

• Ensure full compliance with South African regulations, including SARS reporting (VAT, UIF, EMP
  201).
• Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and financial integrity.
• Act as primary contact for external auditors and prepare documentation.
• Manage financial risk and ensure adherence to donor funding requirements.
• Operate within the framework of the Delegation of Authority.
• Oversee grant financial management, monitor expenditure, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Accurately record and classify restricted and unrestricted grant income.
• Collaborate with grant officer, CEO, and Marketing Manager to prepare donor reports.

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the finance and administration team to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Communicate financial information effectively to non-financial staff and the Board.
• Build productive working relationships across the organization and with external partners.

• Professional accounting qualification preferred; minimum bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in financial management, including 2 years in a senior accounting/finance role; non-profit experience advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of financial and accounting principles, IFRS for SMEs, South African tax, and non-profit legislation.
• Experience implementing internal controls and coordinating annual audits.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage VIP, Business Central) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and ethical approach to financial management.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under pressure.