Finance Manager

Job Title: Finance Manager

Overview

Our client in the finance and accounting industry is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Finance Manager to oversee and strengthen financial operations across a diversified group of business units. This role is responsible for financial planning reporting compliance and operational support while driving efficiency profitability and long-term sustainability.

Planning & Control

• Develop and manage annual budgets for multiple business units

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management (daily weekly monthly long-term)

• Conduct detailed costing analysis (per unit per production line per kg processed etc.)

• Perform margin analysis across various markets and product lines

• Evaluate capital investments (e.g. infrastructure mechanisation energy efficiency)

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date cashbooks

Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts within required deadlines

• Conduct variance analysis (budget vs actual) and report findings to management

• Develop KPI dashboards covering financial and operational metrics

• Coordinate audit preparation (internal and external)

• Consolidate financial data across all business units

Controls & Systems

• Implement and maintain internal financial controls and SOPs

• Establish fraud prevention and procurement controls

• Manage supplier vetting and compliance processes

• Oversee inventory valuation (including biological assets and stock)

• Monitor stock control and retention measures

• Identify cost drivers and support operational teams in managing them

Regulatory Tax & Statutory Compliance

• Manage monthly statutory submissions (e.g. payroll taxes social contributions VAT)

• Oversee annual and periodic compliance requirements (tax submissions reconciliations returns)

• Maintain fixed asset registers and ensure correct tax treatment

• Ensure proper classification of capital vs operational expenditure

• Manage applicable rebates and VAT compliance (including zero-rating where applicable)

• Oversee workplace injury compliance claims and cost tracking

Payroll & Labour Compliance

• Ensure accurate payroll processing (including overtime and statutory requirements)

• Verify time and attendance records

• Maintain leave deductions and payroll documentation

• Develop SOPs for payroll and labour management

• Analyse payroll data to improve labour efficiency and reduce costs

Data Analysis & Strategic Support

• Analyse financial and operational data to identify cost-saving opportunities

• Develop dashboards to support decision-making at executive level

• Provide strategic financial insights to support growth and operational efficiency

• Ensure alignment between financial and operational records

• Maintain audit-ready documentation for all financial transactions

• Align cost centres with operational units

• Track and report on key operational costs (e.g. utilities waste management inputs)

• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and certifications

• Evaluate initiatives aimed at reducing operational costs

• Support executive management in recruitment onboarding and performance management

• Oversee maintenance of employee records contracts and permits

• Ensure labour law compliance from a payroll and financial perspective

• Assist with supplier and vendor contract negotiations

• Monitor supplier performance and ensure contractual compliance

Education

• Bachelors degree in Finance Accounting or a related field

Experience

• Proven experience in financial management preferably within a multi-entity or operational environment

• Experience with financial systems and reporting tools

• Exposure to strategic financial planning and executive-level reporting

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of financial reporting accounting principles and compliance

• Experience with tax regulations financial controls and audit processes

• Ability to develop financial models dashboards and performance reports

Financial & Analytical Skills

• Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret complex data

• Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements

• Advanced problem-solving and analytical thinking

Leadership & Management

• Ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams

• Strong organisational and administrative oversight capabilities

• Ability to influence and support operational decision-making

Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to present financial data in a clear actionable manner

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to align financial strategies with overall business objectives

• Contribution to long-term planning and organisational growth

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities

Ethics & Integrity

• High level of professionalism confidentiality and ethical conduct

Time Management & Adaptability

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic business environment

Attention to Detail

• High level of accuracy in financial reporting and compliance

Decision-Making

• Confident decision-making under pressure with sound financial judgment