Financial Manager

FINANCE MANAGER – MANUFACTURING

Location

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

Overview

Our client, a well-established organisation within the manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Finance Manager to take responsibility for the full financial management function of the business.
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting operational and strategic decision-making while ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective financial controls and compliance with relevant financial and statutory requirements.
This role would suit a commercially minded finance professional with strong management accounting experience and exposure to a manufacturing or operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Take ownership of the overall financial management function within the business.
• Prepare, review and analyse monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards, including IFRS for SMEs.
• Manage and review General Ledger and Balance Sheet reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate financial and accounting records across key areas, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory and expenses.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to management to support effective business decision-making.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Planning

• Lead the preparation and management of annual budgets and forecasts.
• Participate in the annual business planning and strategic planning processes.
• Monitor business performance against budgets and forecasts and provide detailed variance analysis.
• Support monthly forecasting and business review processes.
• Contribute financial input towards growth, profitability and operational improvement initiatives.

Manufacturing Finance and Cost Management

• Oversee product costing and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Analyse production variances and manufacturing overhead recovery rates.
• Support operational teams with financial insights relating to production efficiency and cost reduction opportunities.
• Review and maintain the integrity of inventory records, including work-in-progress and finished goods.
• Provide financial analysis to support make-versus-buy decisions and capital investment opportunities.
• Drive effective cost control and working capital management.

Treasury and Cash Flow Management

• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital requirements.
• Perform and review bank reconciliations and treasury-related activities.
• Maintain and manage relationships with banking institutions.
• Support effective cash management and financial risk mitigation.

Compliance, Tax and Audit

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation, internal policies and accounting requirements.
• Take responsibility for internal and external audit requirements and liaise with auditors.
• Prepare and coordinate the required Income Tax documentation and supporting packs.
• Take ownership of VAT and other applicable tax requirements and queries.
• Continuously assess and strengthen financial controls, processes and reporting procedures.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register.
• Support financial risk management activities, including insurance-related matters.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Manage, guide and develop the finance team.
• Allocate responsibilities and ensure the effective management of team performance.
• Set KPAs and conduct performance reviews and development discussions.
• Work closely with operational management and other internal stakeholders to improve financial performance.
• Liaise with Head Office Finance to ensure alignment with group processes and reporting requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key external stakeholders, including banks, suppliers and auditors.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline finance-related processes.
• Drive the implementation and maintenance of effective financial controls and procedures.
• Support change management initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial reporting.

Minimum Requirements

• BCom Accounting degree or equivalent Commerce qualification.
• Professional registration with, or progress towards, SAICA, CIMA or SAIPA would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 3–5 years' experience in a similar Finance Manager or senior financial management role.
• Previous people management and team leadership experience is essential.
• Strong experience in financial management, management accounting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience with expense management, budget analysis, forecasting and debtor management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with accounting systems.
• Manufacturing or operational finance experience would be highly advantageous.
• Strong hands-on approach with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competencies

• Strong financial and technical accounting ability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Effective leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Self-driven with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Sound decision-making and ability to use initiative.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.