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 and Afrikaans  (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 minimal 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.