Financial Controller: Mercedes-Benz Trucks New Vehicles

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About Us

Since the invention of the truck over 125 years ago, Daimler Truck AG has been a pioneer in the commercial vehicle sector and is today one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. Established in South Africa over 60 years ago, Daimler Truck Southern Africa Ltd together with its subsidiaries Daimler Truck Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd provides an optimal experience for our esteemed customers based on a comprehensive products and services portfolio. The Group’s success is based on its leading brands inclusive of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Buses, and FUSO Trucks in addition to offering parts and services for Freightliner and Western Star Trucks. Its product range is backed by its market-leading value-added services in Fleetboard, TruckStore, TruckTraining, and Financial Services. With a Southern African footprint that includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, the company is headquartered in Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa, and all its products are assembled locally in its East London production plant.

Job Overview

Daimler Truck Southern Africa is seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Financial Controller: Mercedes-Benz Trucks New Vehicles to support the financial performance of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand. This role is central to driving profitability through detailed financial analysis, strategic planning, and operational support. It demands strong quantitative and financial acumen, advanced data analysis and business intelligence capabilities, sound business judgment, and the ability to communicate insights effectively across functions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Mercedes-Benz Trucks business unit in achieving financial targets by analyzing key performance drivers such as sales mix, discount levels, cost structures, and sales channels, and by tracking and reporting key financial metrics (EBIT, contribution margin, costs) to senior leadership, including the Head of Controlling, CFO, and global Head Office in Germany.
• Conduct ongoing and post-month-end financial analysis to inform strategic decisions and assess business outcomes.
• Approve discounts and dealer incentives via internal systems, and ensure accurate month-end provisions for discounts, NRV write-downs, and royalties.
• Lead the preparation and reporting of Business Plans and Forecasts, including transfer pricing and contribution margin planning for both local and group reporting.
• Contribute to pricing strategy and discount structure development, ensuring alignment with market conditions and budgeted authority levels.
• Monitor financial performance against targets and provide recommendations to improve profitability through optimized pricing, sales mix, freight, and duty management, while identifying and recommending corrective actions for plan deviations in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Support accurate financial reporting by collaborating with Accounting and resolving SAP-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and prepare profitability calculations for new product introductions and production planning.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Quantitative Management, or a related field.
• A professional qualification (e.g., CIMA, CA(SA)) is highly advantageous.
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in finance roles, preferably in the automotive or manufacturing industry. Financial controlling experience highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of vehicle sales processes, cost structures, and margin management.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
  
  

Special Knowledge:

• Strong foundation in financial modelling, data analysis, and performance measurement methods.
• Proficient in applying statistical and data-driven techniques to support strategic decision-making and profitability analysis.
• Solid understanding of cost accounting, margin analysis, and transfer pricing principles.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and advanced Excel for financial reporting and forecasting.
• Understanding of financial compliance, internal controls, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for business stakeholders.
  
  

Other important Information:

Daimler Truck Southern Africa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered; however, the following will apply:

• Foreign nationals must qualify for a work visa/permit as per the provisions of the Immigration Act 13, 2002.
• Employment Equity Plan in terms of the Employment Equity Act, No 58, 1998. Code of good practice on the employment of people with disabilities.
  
  

#YOUMAKEUS #MAKEYOURMOVE apply now and become part of us.

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