Financial Controller

Wild Dreams•Paterson, NJ

49d•Onsite

About The Position

A five-star private game reserve in the Eastern Cape is seeking a commercially minded and hands-on FINANCIAL CONTROLLER to join their executive finance team. This role suits a meticulous, deadline-driven finance professional who's just as comfortable analysing balance sheets as chasing down a missing invoice. Reporting to the Finance Manager, you'll take ownership of daily cash management, reconciliations, and statutory compliance, while supervising the Accounts Payable function.

Requirements

Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive finance experience
1 to 2 years in a supervisory role within a hotel or luxury hospitality environment
Advanced proficiency in hotel financial systems (e.g. Sage 300/Accpac, Protel, Opera PMS, Micros POS, Materials Control) and online banking platforms
Advanced MS Excel skills for data analysis and reconciliations
Solid understanding of IFRS, South African VAT legislation, and hotel operational processes
Meticulous, with zero tolerance for errors in reconciliations, payment loading, and reporting
Hands-on and proactive, able to work at pace and take initiative
Strong leadership ability, comfortable coaching and supervising junior staff
Unwavering integrity and commitment to confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups, in line with the company's Employment Equity plan

Responsibilities

Prepare monthly financial reports and balance sheet reconciliations
Lead variance analysis against budget and flag risks or opportunities to management
Support the Finance Manager with annual budgeting and periodic forecasting
Manage daily cash flow and liquidity, including transfers to and from the Call Account
Load creditor, salary, and ad hoc payments for authorisation
Compile daily deposit schedules and submit to Central Reservations
Reconcile balance sheet accounts and process monthly journal entries
Prepare and submit VAT reconciliations, ensuring full SARS compliance
Oversee Accounts Payable age analysis, debt collection, and the guest ledger
Monitor departmental spend and drive cost-saving initiatives
Oversee stock control and purchasing across revenue and support departments
Liaise with external auditors and relevant authorities as needed
Mentor and develop the finance team, fostering accountability and integrity