Financial Controller

The Financial Controller reports directly to the Financial Manager: Virtual Funds and works closely with the wider finance, project, and operational teams across the organisation. The role is a key link between project finance, accounting, and operational delivery, ensuring that all financial data accurately reflects project and fund performance.

Principal Responsibilities

• Support the full financial accounting function for project and fund entities, including preparation of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Support the Financial Manager in preparing consolidated reports for management, lenders, and investors.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, group policies, and statutory requirements.
• Suppliers / EPC: Act as custodian of the EPC milestone payment schedules, and review EPC payment certificates against agreed milestone terms before submission for payment.
• Prepare the Flow of Funds documentation for each project and ensure consistency with project agreements and financing arrangements.
• Manage all statutory tasks outsourced to consultants as well as in-house statutory requests, ensuring compliance and timely submission.
• Oversee VAT registrations for all entities within the Virtual group.
• Prepare and review VAT201 reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Compile supporting documentation for VAT201 verifications and audits, coordinating with consultants and SARS as needed.
• Manage and review cash flow forecasts, funding drawdowns, and project payment schedules.
• Monitor project budgets, cost allocations, and contractual obligations in line with project documents.
• Coordinate and support external and internal audits, ensuring timely responses and documentation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls and enhance financial accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with project, legal, and operational teams to ensure accurate financial reflection of transactions and project milestones.
• Maintain clear and organised financial records in alignment with SolarAfrica's governance standards.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior finance team members where applicable.

Experience & Skills

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (e.g., BCom Accounting / Financial Management) – highly advantageous.
• 4-6 years' relevant experience in financial accounting, controlling, or project finance.
• Sound knowledge of IFRS and South African tax and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience within renewable energy, infrastructure, or project finance environments highly advantageous.
• Strong financial modelling and analysis capability.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Xero, Sage, or equivalent) and advanced MS Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple entities and complex financial structures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven track record of maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines under pressure.

Specific and Desirable Attributes

• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.
• Proactive and solution-driven, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong analytical thinker capable of translating financial data into strategic insights.
• Collaborative and professional, able to work effectively across teams and functions.
• Aligned with SolarAfrica's purpose and values – integrity, innovation, and sustainability.
• Career Path: The next step in this role's progression is Financial Manager.

What Does Success Look Like?

By Month 3

• I will have fully familiarised myself with all Finance policies, procedures, reporting cycles, and internal controls.
• I can navigate all financial systems and tools with growing confidence.
• I can complete daily and routine finance tasks with minimal guidance.
• I will have established strong working relationships with the Finance Manager, finance team, and key internal stakeholders to ensure smooth communication.

By Month 6

• I can produce all required financial reports—monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc-accurately and within the expected timelines.
• I can complete reconciliations, variance analyses, and month-end responsibilities independently and reliably.
• I can support budgeting and forecasting activities confidently.
• I can identify operational or reporting challenges early and propose practical, finance-aligned solutions.
• I can demonstrate a strong understanding of the organisation's financial cycles and expectations.

By Month 12

• I can fully support my Financial Manager across all areas of the finance function.
• I can manage complex financial tasks, compliance activities, and audit preparation with confidence.
• I will maintain high levels of accuracy, consistency, and accountability in all financial outputs.
• I can contribute to process improvements while respecting established systems and controls.
• I can serve as a reliable partner within the finance team and a trusted custodian of financial information.

Core Values:

We hire, reward, and recognise our team against these values. It is imperative that you believe in these values and demonstrate them consistently.

• We are passionate and proud of what we do.
• We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult
• We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together
• We are dependable and take accountability
• No one person is bigger than the solution - no egos.