Finance Manager - PE

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• A professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA or equivalent will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 7-10 years' experience in a finance management role within a manufacturing, engineering, industrial or production environment.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting, including product costing, cost absorption and profitability analysis.
• Knowledge of South African taxation, statutory requirements, the Companies Act and applicable IFRS standards, including IFRS for SMEs.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial management software.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and cash flow management.
• Experience in inventory management, stock control, working capital optimisation and manufacturing costing.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Experience liaising with external auditors, SARS, banks and other relevant stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Reporting

• Manage and oversee the full financial function of the business.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
• Prepare annual financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
• Analyse financial results and provide meaningful commentary on business performance.
• Present financial reports, insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Develop, implement and maintain effective financial controls and procedures.
• Liaise with external auditors, bankers, insurers and other stakeholders.
• Ensure financial records comply with applicable accounting standards.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Planning

• Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare and maintain rolling financial forecasts.
• Develop, monitor and review departmental budgets.
• Prepare detailed cash flow forecasts and financial projections.
• Conduct variance analysis against budgets and forecasts, recommending corrective action where necessary.
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic decision-making.
• Monitor key financial performance indicators and report on financial performance.
• Support management in evaluating capital expenditure, investment opportunities and business initiatives.

Manufacturing Costing and Profitability Management

• Develop and maintain accurate manufacturing and product costing models.
• Analyse direct labour, material and overhead costs.
• Monitor standard costing, cost absorption and manufacturing cost methodologies.
• Review manufacturing efficiencies and investigate cost variances.
• Monitor scrap, waste and rework costs and recommend cost-saving initiatives.
• Conduct profitability analysis by product, project, customer and business unit.
• Support pricing strategies and review quotations to ensure appropriate margins.
• Partner with operational teams to improve productivity, cost efficiencies and profitability.
• Ensure accurate valuation of work-in-progress (WIP), raw materials and finished goods.

Inventory and Supply Chain Financial Control

• Oversee inventory accounting, valuation and reporting processes.
• Monitor inventory levels and associated working capital requirements.
• Participate in stock counts and cycle counts.
• Investigate stock variances and implement appropriate corrective measures.
• Maintain strong financial controls over inventory movements and transactions.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to optimise inventory management.
• Monitor slow-moving and obsolete inventory and recommend appropriate action.
• Ensure accurate reporting of inventory and manufacturing-related costs.

Cash Flow and Working Capital Management

• Manage daily cash flow requirements and liquidity.
• Monitor debtor collections and creditor payment cycles.
• Implement strategies to improve working capital performance.
• Manage banking relationships and banking facilities.
• Review and approve payment runs and treasury activities.
• Identify cash flow risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure sufficient liquidity to support ongoing operational requirements.

Compliance, Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and company policies.
• Oversee VAT, PAYE, income tax and other statutory obligations.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of statutory returns.
• Maintain effective internal controls and financial governance practices.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and address audit findings.
• Identify, assess and manage financial risks.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS for SMEs and other applicable accounting standards.
• Develop, implement and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations and intercompany account postings.
• Investigate and report financial discrepancies across entities.
• Maintain accurate statutory and administrative documentation in accordance with applicable legislation and record-retention requirements.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, including Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
• Set performance objectives, monitor performance and conduct performance reviews.
• Promote accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement within the finance function.
• Support succession planning, skills development and ongoing professional growth.
• Drive process efficiencies and improvements to finance systems and reporting.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across all departments.
• Provide proactive financial support and insight to senior management to facilitate informed business decisions.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and ensure all deliverables are completed accurately and within required deadlines.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement practical, innovative financial management solutions.
• Maintain ongoing professional development and keep abreast of changes in South African financial, tax and governance legislation.
• Perform other related duties as reasonably required by the line manager.