SA Finance Controller (JHB)

Are you a seasoned financial professional with a passion for excellence and innovation? Do you thrive in dynamic environments and have a strong desire to contribute to a leading global biopharmaceutical company? If so, we invite you to join AstraZeneca as a Financial Controller. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in managing our financial operations and driving strategic financial initiatives.

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, global, science-led, patient-focused BioPharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. Our strategic priorities reflect how we are working to deliver our strategy and achieve our Purpose. As a workforce, we are the catalyst for our values: we are entrepreneurial; we do the right thing; we play to win; we put patients first and we follow the science. As a company we appreciate and take great pride in each team member where every person is brought together through shared values, that underpins a shared purpose. There is no better place to feel inspired and energised. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and crafting the patient ecosystem.
At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

ABOUT THE FINANCE TEAM

At AstraZeneca, our Finance team is at the heart of our operations, providing the financial insights and strategies that drive our business forward. We are a dynamic and collaborative group of professionals committed to excellence in financial management and reporting. Our team works closely with various departments across the organization, ensuring that we meet our financial goals and adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance. Join us and be part of a team that is dedicated to innovation, integrity, and making a difference in the lives of patients worldwide.

What You’ll Do?

As a Financial Controller at AstraZeneca, you will play a critical role in overseeing the financial operations of our organization. You will lead in managing the month-end and year-end closing processes. You will develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure effective internal controls. Support internal and external audits, ensuring timely and accurate information delivery. You will oversee and manage tax compliance of the entity, collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives and drive financial performance and provide leadership and mentorship to junior finance team members.

Job Description summary (non-negotiable requirements and Responsibilities)

The Financial Controller will be responsible for the overall controlling and compliance activities including audit, tax, month-end reporting and cash management. The role requires a high level of technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Key duties include:

• Tax Management: Oversee and manage tax compliance, including preparation and filing of tax returns, ensuring adherence to South African tax laws and regulations.

• Audit Coordination: Coordinate and manage the audit process, including liaising with external auditors, preparing audit schedules, and ensuring timely completion of audit requirements.

• Month-End Closing Activities: Lead the month-end closing process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, including the preparation of financial statements.

• Reconciliations: Oversee and perform reconciliations of accounts, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data.

• Accounts Payable and Receivable Management: Supervise the accounts payable and receivable functions, including managing cash flow, credit control, and vendor/supplier relationships.

• Distributor Management: Oversee financial aspects related to distributor management, including financial analysis, performance evaluations, and financial support for distribution activities.

• Cashflow Management: Monitor and manage the company's cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for operational needs and strategic initiatives.

• Financial Control Framework: Establish and maintain a robust financial control framework, including policies and procedures to ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.

• Transfer Pricing: Manage and ensure compliance with transfer pricing regulations, including documentation, analysis, and implementation of transfer pricing policies.

If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• Professional certification such as CA(SA), CIMA, or similar.

• Extensive knowledge of South African tax laws and regulations.

• Strong understanding of audit processes and accounting principles.

• Proficiency in financial management systems and advanced MS Excel skills.

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

• Experience in a managerial or supervisory role.

Why AstraZeneca?

We are proud to have achieved Top Employer certification in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, as well as our Best Place to Work certification in Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Senegal. It is the fourth year South Africa and Kenya have been awarded the Top Employer certification. Amongst the world's top 30 workplaces in 2023 This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Click the link to apply no later than 25 November 2024 and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Our social media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Close Date: 25/11/2024

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.