Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town is looking for a Temporary Finance Manager, with the possibility to go permanent.

Overview
The business is looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Manager to take ownership of the full finance function, lead a small finance team, combining strong financial leadership with commercial insight.    
 
This is not a purely reporting or management role. The right person will get into the detail, own the numbers, spot issues early and bring practical solutions, rather than just flagging problems.

POSITION INFO:
REQUIREMENTS BCom Management Accounting, BCom Financial Accounting or equivalent preferred. SAIPA advantage. Strong Financial Controller/Financial Manager or financial accounting background, with approximately 7+ years of relevant experience (depth and relevance matter more than years alone). Proven month-end close and balance sheet control experience. Strong inventory accounting experience in a business carrying significant stock. Cash-flow forecasting and working capital management experience. Experience managing or supervising finance staff. A sound understanding of debtors, creditors, VAT and banking. A high level of ownership, accuracy and attention to detail. Sage experience. Experience in multi-currency environments and foreign suppliers, cross-border payments and reporting. Background in Food and Beverage markets or wine industry. RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Accounting & Reporting Own the month-end close and consistently meet agreed deadlines Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and on time Review the general ledger, income statement and balance sheet Prepare or review journals, accruals and provisions Ensure balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled and supported Investigate discrepancies and unusual movements rather than simply reporting them Prepare the numbers and analysis that support the monthly management reporting to international stakeholders Lead annual budgeting Banking, Cash & Working Capital Ensure close business relationship with banking partners Review monthly reconciliations for bank accounts Review weekly payment schedules for accuracy and supporting documentation Prepare and maintain rolling monthly cash-flow forecasts covering debtor receipts, creditor payments, inventory purchases and foreign currency flows Update forecasts for actuals and known commitments Oversee debtors and creditors, including ageing, collections, reconciliations, supplier statements and disputes Inventory & Cost Accounting Experience in a business carrying significant inventory is a key requirement Need to be comfortable with inventory accounting, COGS, stock movements, adjustments, write-offs, returns, stock counts and reconciliations. Make sure inventory is accurately reflected in the financial records, and that stock issues are identified and resolved promptly Manage financial aspects of international imports, including foreign currency, freight and landed-cost calculations VAT, Statutory & External Advisers Prepare or review VAT information and reconciliations for the South African entities Ensure statutory submissions are accurate and completed on time Liaise with tax advisers and auditors as required Support audit and independent review requirements Sales Commissions and payroll Calculate sales representative commissions Validate calculations against sales reports and approved commission structures Validate salary spreadsheets with payroll consultant Submit monthly EMP 201 Systems, Controls & Process Improvement Maintain the financial integrity and accuracy of Sage Investigate and resolve accounting and system issues Identify practical ways to simplify, improve and automate finance processes Finance Team Leadership Manage and support the finance team, allocating responsibilities and monitoring deadlines Provide guidance, coaching and training, with regular performance check-ins Stay close enough to the detail to step in where required, while keeping processing accurate and timely Oversee BEE compliance Bi-monthly meetings with BEE Consultants Send regular updates on estimated Turnover and NPAT for the year Coordinating annual B-BBEE verification. To apply, please send your CV with your salary expectations to Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive feedback within 48 hours, please accept your application as unsuccessful. Persona Staff (Pty) Ltd is POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013) compliant, all personal information is protected according to legislation. By applying for any of our available vacancies, you give Persona Staff consent to process your Personal Information for Recruitment Purposes, according to the POPI ACT, 2013. If you have any concerns regarding your Personal Information and our compliance towards the legislation, you are welcome to request our POPI Act Policy.