Financial Controller

Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at www.bursonglobal.com.

Job Title: Financial Controller

Practice: Finance Team

Reporting to: Finance Director

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Controller to join our South Africa office. This pivotal role will oversee all financial operations, reporting, and compliance, ensuring alignment with WPP standards and local statutory requirements. The Financial Controller will act as a trusted partner to senior leadership, providing critical financial insights to drive strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

This is a senior-level position requiring strong technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Do

Financial Management & Reporting

1. Lead the preparation, analysis, and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in compliance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), WPP group policies, and local regulations.
2. Oversee month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of P&L and balance sheet items.
3. Prepare detailed variance analyses and provide insightful commentary on deviations from budgets, forecasts, and prior periods.
4. Manage inter-company reporting, reconciliations, and tax compliance, including VAT recons.
5. Ensure robust revenue recognition processes, maintaining accuracy in accrued and deferred income accounts.

1. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop annual budgets and periodic forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
2. Provide financial planning support, including data collection, consolidation, and reporting, to facilitate informed decision-making.
3. Monitor performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.

1. Maintain and enhance internal controls to ensure compliance with SOX, WPP policies, and audit requirements.
2. Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to queries, and implementing recommendations.
3. Ensure contracts, client engagements, and supplier agreements adhere to compliance standards and risk management protocols.
4. Understanding of BEE (Black Economic Environment) requirements and assisting the Finance Director with audits and ensuring we are in line with the BEE scorecards.

1. Oversee accounts receivable and payable processes, ensuring timely billing, collections, and payments.
2. Monitor working capital levels, achieving targets for cash flow optimisation.
3. Conduct regular reviews of debtor ageing, creditor balances, and bank reconciliations.

1. Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including Payroll, Treasury, and Planning, to gather necessary information and ensure smooth operations.
2. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior finance staff, fostering professional development and continuous learning.
3. Act as a key point of contact for WPP group finance, auditors, and other stakeholders.

1. Continuously review and improve financial processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
2. Leverage technology and tools, such as SAP or Maconomy, to streamline workflows and reporting capabilities.

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; a professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA) is essential.
2. Extensive experience in finance, including a strong track record in senior financial management or controllership roles.
3. Strong knowledge of IFRS, local statutory regulations, and SOX compliance.

1. Proficiency in accounting systems such as SAP, SAGE, or Maconomy.
2. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modelling.
3. Experience in managing audits and implementing financial controls.

1. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
2. Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships across all levels of the organisation.
4. Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
5. A collaborative mindset with a commitment to fostering teamwork and driving results.

At Burson, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity. It also enables our agency to thrive and deliver brilliant work.

For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.