Financial Controller

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the daily operations of the finance department, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, budgeting, tax, and audit.
• Ensure the timely, complete, and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Monitor and control the company’s cash flow, working capital, and financial position to maintain liquidity and business continuity.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, in collaboration with operational and commercial teams.
• Monitor performance against budget, investigate variances, and provide regular financial analysis to management.
• Recommend financial strategies to improve profitability and cost-efficiency.
• Track and reconcile freight receivables and payables, monitoring customer credit exposure and vendor payment terms.
• Manage financial aspects of import/export documentation, duty payments, shipping line charges, demurrage, and third-party logistics (3PL) costs.
• Oversee job costing and profit & loss tracking on each shipment/job file.
• Validate freight rates, supplier invoices, and agency fees to avoid revenue leakage.
• Liaise with operations and sales teams to support pricing decisions and financial risk assessment on complex shipments.
• Ensure compliance with local tax laws, customs regulations, port authorities, and relevant financial reporting standards.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies on financial matters.
• Ensure timely filing and remittance of statutory deductions and corporate taxes.
• Develop and enforce robust internal controls over financial reporting, invoicing, collections, and cash management.
• Identify financial risks within operational activities and recommend mitigation measures.
• Implement fraud prevention procedures, especially for payment processes and shipment-related disbursements.
• Supervise and mentor finance team members.
• Lead training initiatives to build financial competence within the team.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• ACA, ACCA, or an equivalent professional accounting certification.
• A minimum of 10 years of financial management experience, with at least 5 years in the Freight Forwarding, Logistics, Shipping, or Maritime sector.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, tax laws, and shipping industry regulations.
• Proficiency in financial software and Freight Management Systems.
• Excellent financial reporting and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team management abilities.
• In-depth understanding of freight forwarding processes, pricing, and operational cost structures.
• High attention to detail and process discipline.
• Strong negotiation skills with banks, suppliers, and vendors.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business analytics tools.