Job Title:
Shared Service Controller
Job Purpose:
Our client is seeking a Shared Services Controller to join the Finance team in Cape Town. The Shared Services Controller will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation’s central treasury, accounts receivable, and accounts payable functions. This role ensures the effective management of cash flow, the integrity and accuracy of financial transactions, and the implementation of robust internal controls. In addition, the role will champion continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on system optimisation, automation, and the development of standardised operating procedures (SOPs) across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Treasury functions. By driving process efficiency and compliance, the Shared Services Controller supports the Finance Manager – Shared Services in delivering timely, reliable financial information and safeguarding company assets. The role is pivotal in fostering collaboration across departments, optimising working capital, and enabling the business to achieve its financial and operational objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key business stakeholders and partners to support effective collaboration and business alignment.
- Develop a strong understanding of the business to provide sound financial insight, advice, and clear communication of findings to the team and operational stakeholders.
- Support field teams by assisting with understanding of financial processes and resolving queries effectively and timeously.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with both the Shared Services team and Operations to ensure alignment, transparency, and effective service delivery.
People Leadership:
- Lead, manage, and develop the Shared Services team, ensuring effective performance, accountability, and engagement.
- Drive the development of team members through coaching, mentoring, and structured development plans.
- Identify and nurture high-potential individuals within the team to support succession planning and growth.
- Provide strong leadership support to the business through effective team management and guidance.
Financial Operations & Compliance:
- Oversee the effective and efficient management of the Debtors (Accounts Receivable), Creditors (Accounts Payable), and Treasury functions.
- Ensure accurate cashbook and cash flow management to support business operations and financial planning.
- Maintain strong and effective financial controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate reporting.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements across all Shared Services functions.
Process Improvement & Innovation:
- Drive continuous improvement across financial and operational business processes.
- Lead business process innovation through system enhancements, automation of repetitive tasks, and implementation of standardised workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Review all finance and operational systems to identify opportunities for innovation, optimisation, and improvement.
- Lead the development, enhancement, and implementation of SOPs for Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Treasury processes to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Identify and drive opportunities for automation and digital transformation within Shared Services, overseeing implementation projects.
- Collaborate with IT and external vendors to optimise automation and digitisation opportunities.
- Champion change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new systems, processes, and ways of working across the business.
Qualifications and Skills:
- BCom or related qualification in Finance or Accounting
- Proven experience in a staff management role
- Strong working knowledge of Sage 300
- Advanced Excel skills; Power BI experience advantageous
- Strong project management experience essential
- Experience in process automation, system implementation, and streamlining workflows
