Financial Controller at Agora Digital Agency

REPORTS TO: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

W are recruiting an experienced financial professional with a passion for precision and a thorough understanding of freight forwarding operations? We are looking for a dynamic Financial Controller to oversee the financial management of our client's business. In this role, you will be responsible for managing financial reporting, cash flow, budgeting, and operational cost control within the freight and logistics sector.

JOB SUMMARY:

To provide strategic financial leadership, control, and oversight for the company’s financial activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, operational profitability, regulatory compliance, and prudent financial risk management. The Financial Controller will oversee all core financial operations of the business, including accounts, tax, budgeting, costing, and financial analysis to support informed decision-making and operational efficiency.

KEY 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, investigating variances, and providing 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.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 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.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• 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.