Finance Controller

Do you have expertise in Finance, and passion for science working within healthcare? If so, AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. 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. 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’s no better place to feel inspired and energised.
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 TEAM

You’ll join AstraZeneca’s Finance organization in South Africa, a high‑performing, collaborative team that partners closely with Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, and Compliance to enable smart, timely decisions. We combine rigorous financial control with a business‑partnering mindset—translating data into insight, ensuring compliance with South African regulations, and supporting sustainable growth across our portfolio. The team works in a matrix with regional and global finance colleagues, external auditors, and specialist service providers, giving you exposure beyond the local market and a platform to influence best practice.

Our culture is grounded in accountability, curiosity, and integrity. We operate at pace during month‑end and audit cycles while maintaining a strong control environment and a continuous‑improvement approach to processes, systems, and reporting. You’ll collaborate with experienced finance managers and cross‑functional stakeholders, lead on core finance cycles (close, tax, cashflow, reconciliations), and help strengthen our financial control framework, AP/AR operations, transfer pricing compliance, and distributor performance management. It’s a team that values clear communication, analytical rigor, and practical problem‑solving—and supports your development through coaching, knowledge-sharing, and regional networks.

What you’ll do

•    Manage tax compliance: Ensure full adherence to South African tax laws, including preparation, review, and filing of returns, and proactive management of tax risks and opportunities.

•    Own core financial cycles: Lead month‑end close to deliver accurate, timely financial statements, oversee balance sheet integrity through robust reconciliations and variance analysis.

•    Coordinate external audits: Plan and run the annual audit, prepare audit schedules, address queries, and drive timely closure of actions.
•    Drive cash discipline: Monitor and forecast cash flow, optimize working capital, and ensure liquidity for operational and strategic needs.
•    Lead AP/AR performance: Supervise accounts payable and receivable, strengthen controls and processes, manage credit and collections, and build effective vendor and supplier relationships.
•    Oversee distributor finance: Provide financial analysis and performance insights for distributors; support decision‑making and contract adherence.
•    Strengthen controls and governance: Maintain a robust financial control framework, update policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
•    Manage transfer pricing compliance: Prepare and maintain documentation, support analyses, and help implement group transfer pricing policies locally.
•    Partner across the business: Collaborate with internal customers, finance managers, and international colleagues to translate data into commercial insight and support performance decisions.
•    Continuously improve: Enhance systems, reporting, and processes (including advanced Excel and finance systems), identifying automation and standardization opportunities.

Typical Accountabilities

•    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

•    Complete Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
•    Professional certification such as CA(SA), CIMA, or similar.
•    3-5 years experience in a similar/same function
•    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.
•    Rigorous and analytical thinking
•    Highly numerate
•    Independent and collaborate worker
•    Developed commercial and analytical skills
•    Specialist financial qualification to support general financial qualifications

Why AstraZeneca?

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 05/03/2026 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: 05 March 2026

Date Posted

Closing Date

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.