Finance Controller

Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, ZA
**Vacancy**: Finance Controller - Farming
**Location**: Stellenbosch, South Africa
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Finance Controller to oversee the financial operations of our Farming division in South Africa. This role is responsible for ensuring independent, accurate, and timely financial and operational reporting, while supporting the best practices in accounting and financial management across our farming operations.
**Key Performance Areas**:
Full oversight of the daily Finance function for the Farming division
Approval of all farming-related invoices, POs, journals, and SVAs within 24 hours
Management and development of the Farming Admin team, including:
Backup Planning
Cross functional training
One-on-one meetings
Career development
**Financial reporting and analysis**:
Preparation, reporting, and management of the Farming P&L
Ensure accurate tonnage tracking in the T1 system.
Reconciliation of transport records vs harvested and delivered tonnages.
Allocation of basis costs per farm, crop, and silo
**System and reporting integrity**:
Daily, MTD, and YTD reconciliation of Excel models with T1, SAP GL, MIS, and MBOR reports
Review and ensure accuracy of trade positions.
Ensure complete and accurate reporting in BPC, MBOR, SS, and WD4
SAP ERP system management (including WBS management and upload of new farming locations)
**Budgeting and forecasting**:
Support the annual Budget process for both OPEX/CAPEX
Input into budget presentations and uploads into BPC and SAP
Manage budget vs actual reporting and ensure forecasting accuracy.
**Balance sheet and compliance**:
Monthly BSI Reconciliations
IFRS16 calculations via NESTA system
Inventory control via SHED system.
Accurate valuation of biological assets
**Process improvement and technology**:
Identify and implement efficiency gains and system automation (e.g., Power BI)
Drive data integrity and improve financial processes.
**Audit and compliance**:
Manage all internal and external audit queries.
Liaise with auditors on all farming-related matters.
Prevent repeat audit findings, especially relating to inventory and IFRS16
**Business support**:
Prepare farmer reconciliations and profitability analysis.
Act as the link between farming operations and the finance team.
Support the Farming Manager with operational reporting.
VAT and Diesel replace submissions and journals.
Assist with the preparation of the Farming “Schedule A.”
Provide training to other finance staff as needed.
**Minimum Criteria**:
Tertiary Qualification - Bachelor’s degree - Finance
Minimum of 3 to 5 years’ work experience in a similar role
Industry experiences are advantageous.
Team Management experience essential
Advanced MS Excel skills
Proficient in English (reading and writing)
**Knowledge, Experience & Skills required**:
Exposure to the agricultural industry, especially grain and commodity trading
SAP financial modules and ERP systems experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong numerical reasoning and problem-solving abilities
Critical thinker with emotional resilience
Strong collaboration skills and ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
Proven ability to work independently and deliver with mínimal supervision.
High diligence and accuracy under pressure
Strong time management and organizational skills
Attention to Detail and Accuracy
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Stress Management and Resilience
Adaptability and Flexibility
Customer and Stakeholder Focus
Ethical Responsibility and Integrity
Proactive and Independent
Attention to detail.
**Job Competencies**:
Planning and Organizing
Leading and Supervising
Relating and Networking
Analytical
Delivering Results and Meeting Expectations
Adapting and Responding to Change
Coping with pressure and setbacks
Deciding and Initiating Action
General
Based in Stellenbosch
Reports to Chief Financial Officer
Salary - market related.
To start as soon as possible.
For more information on COFCO International, career page.
How to apply
The company makes appointments in line with the employment equity plan.
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