Operations Controller
Location
Johannesburg
Remuneration
Market Related
Reporting To
Investment Team / Directors
Overview
We are seeking a highly analytical and operationally strong Operations Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day management of a complex loan book.
This is a critical role within the business, responsible for ensuring the accurate daily pricing of the loan portfolio, managing repayments and client pay-outs, generating investor and client reporting, and maintaining robust operational controls across the lending process.
The successful candidate will work closely with the investment team to ensure that all transactions are accurately processed and supported by appropriate documentation and approvals.
This role offers a clear growth path into a future Head of Operations position, with the opportunity to build and lead an operations function as the business continues to scale.
The environment is fast-paced, detail-intensive, and suited to someone who enjoys solving problems, identifying issues before they become risks, and bringing structure to operational complexity.
Key Responsibilities
Loan Book Management & Pricing

Perform daily pricing of the loan book for external administrators.
Conduct daily and monthly pricing reviews to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Investigate and resolve pricing discrepancies and operational exceptions.
Maintain the integrity and accuracy of loan book data.

Payments & Transaction Management

Manage daily repayments and client pay-outs.
Release approved payments to client bank accounts.
Monitor cash flows and payment schedules.
Ensure all transactions are processed accurately and within required timeframes.

Investment Operations

Work closely with the investment team to verify supporting documentation prior to any client pay-out.
Ensure all operational controls and approval processes are followed.
Escalate anomalies, risks, and operational issues proactively.

Reporting & Administration

Generate client statements and investor statements.
Produce regular operational and management reporting.
Maintain accurate records and audit trails.
Support external administrators with information and reporting requirements.

Process Improvement & Controls

Continuously identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
Develop and enhance controls around pricing, payments, and reporting.
Assist in documenting and refining operational processes.
Contribute to building a scalable operations function.

Candidate Profile
We are looking for a commercially minded operations professional who thrives in a high-volume, detail-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate enjoys working with complex financial information, has strong problem-solving capability, and can confidently identify and investigate issues before they become larger operational risks.
They should be comfortable working under daily deadlines and able to maintain a high level of accuracy in a fast-moving environment.
Non-Negotiable Requirements

Proven operations experience within financial services, lending, investments, banking, asset management, private credit, fund administration, or a similar environment.
Experience managing complex operational processes and workflows.
Strong numerical and analytical ability.
Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve operational issues independently.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet daily deadlines.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Advantageous Experience

Experience working with loan books or lending portfolios.
Exposure to investment operations.
Fund administration experience.
Experience with pricing models or portfolio valuations.
Reporting and investor statement generation experience.
Previous leadership or team management exposure.

Career Growth
This role has a defined progression path into a Head of Operations position. The successful candidate will initially work closely with existing team members who currently perform the function and will receive comprehensive support and training during the first three months, with ongoing support thereafter.
As the business grows, this individual will have the opportunity to help build and lead an operations team while taking ownership of increasingly strategic operational responsibilities.