Finance Controller

About the Role

Sayari Earth is seeking an energetic and results-driven Finance Controller to lead and elevate the company’s financial strategy and operations. As a key member of the management team, the Finance Controller will take ownership of financial leadership, drive strategic planning, and ensure robust fiscal oversight across all areas of the business.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach—someone who can navigate complexity across projects, funding streams, and international operations. If you are passionate about climate innovation, international standards, and strengthening the financial backbone of a high-impact organization, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement the company’s long-term financial strategy aligned with growth and impact goals.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and COO on financial planning, fundraising, and risk mitigation.

• Lead company-wide budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning.

Financial Management & Oversight

• Oversee all accounting, finance, and reporting functions, including monthly closes, audit preparation, and compliance.

• Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead the optimization and integration of financial systems, tools, and controls.

Project & Donor Financial Oversight

• Support project teams with budgeting, financial tracking, and donor compliance requirements.

• Ensure financial transparency and accountability across nature-based carbon and climate-related projects.

• Interface with donors, partners, investors, and auditors as necessary.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence.

• Promote financial literacy and accountability across departments through training and support.

• Champion a values-driven approach to financial decision-making.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 8+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a senior finance or controller role.

• Professional qualification (CA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).

• Demonstrated ability to lead financial strategy, compliance, and risk management.

• Strong knowledge of financial systems, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.

• Experience working across international teams, currencies, and jurisdictions.

Preferred

• Experience in climate finance, carbon markets, or nature-based solutions.

• Background in managing donor-funded or grant-based financial reporting.

• Familiarity with South African and international financial regulations.

• Comfortable working in startup or scale-up environments.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements.

• A leadership role in a fast-growing climate impact organization.

• A chance to shape financial systems that support environmental and social transformation.

• A collaborative, mission-aligned team driven by innovation, integrity, and equity.

Why Join Sayari Earth?

• Be a catalyst in building the financial engine behind nature-based climate solutions.

• Collaborate with global experts, communities, and stakeholders in the climate and biodiversity space.

• Drive measurable change through finance in a company grounded in purpose and resilience.

• Join a supportive and inclusive team culture focused on impact, innovation, and growth.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a tailored cover letter to aloha@sayari.earth with the subject line: Finance Controller Application – [Your Name]. Your cover letter should highlight your leadership experience, interest in climate and environmental finance, and why you’re excited to join Sayari Earth.

We are committed to building a diverse team. We warmly welcome applications from women and individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences.
Due to the high volume of applicants to Sayari Earth jobs, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We’re looking forward to hearing from innovative leaders ready to make a difference!