Commercial Business Partner

SUMMARY:
Are you a commercially sharp finance professional who thrives at the intersection of project accounting, SAP, and strategic business partnering? Do you want a seat at the table in a globally recognised engineering and industrial technology organisation, where your financial insights directly shape project outcomes across Southern Africa?

POSITION INFO:
If you answered yes, this is the role you have been waiting for. About Our Client Our client is a leading multinational engineering and industrial technology group with deep roots in Southern Africa. With a portfolio spanning capital equipment, processing solutions, and large-scale industrial projects, they operate at the cutting edge of their sector. Their Johannesburg-based Commercial team plays a pivotal role in ensuring that complex, multi-million-rand projects are delivered with financial precision and commercial integrity. The Opportunity As Commercial Business Partner, you will be the financial custodian of complex projects from contract award through to closure. You will own cost control, SAP project accounting, commercial contract administration, and management reporting- acting as both a trusted SAP Super User and the go-to finance partner for project managers and senior leadership. Key Responsibilities Project Cost Control & Financial Governance (40%) Monitor and control project costs across the full lifecycle -from budget-setting to project close-out. Build, maintain, and track project budgets in SAP; analyse variances, identify risks, and drive corrective action. Develop detailed cost forecasts and cash flow projections that management can rely on. Embed cost transparency and financial accountability across all project stakeholders SAP Order Management & Project Accounting (35%) Own project master data in SAP -WBS structures, milestones, customer orders, and project hierarchies. Execute project accounting: revenue recognition, cost allocations, accruals, and financial close-out. Serve as SAP Super User for Commercial Services: train, guide, and support end users across the business. Maintain financial integrity across SAP FI\/CO, PS, and SD modules. Commercial Contract Administration & Risk Management (15%) Review commercial terms at tender and quotation stage; flag risks before they become problems. Manage Letters of Credit, foreign exchange, bank guarantees, and financial securities. Coordinate commercial documentation and conduct risk assessments across customers, banks, and project teams. Project Controlling & Management Reporting (10%) Produce accurate, timely project financial reports for local and corporate management. Support the budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning cycles. Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and operational efficiency improvements. Qualifications & Experience A degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field. 5-7 years' experience in project accounting, project controlling, or commercial financial management. A background in engineering, manufacturing, industrial equipment, or capital projects is essential. Hands-on SAP FI\/CO, PS, and SD proficiency -genuine operational experience, not just awareness. Advanced Excel skills; experience with BI reporting tools is advantageous Who You Are Commercially minded-you challenge costs, drive accountability, and communicate financial insights with clarity. Analytically rigorous with exceptional attention to detail and a strong governance mindset. A skilled stakeholder manager comfortable across project teams, customers, banks, and senior leadership. At ease with complexity and competing priorities without losing the thread. High-integrity and proactive-you anticipate issues and act before being asked. Why This Role? Join a globally recognised organisation at the cutting edge of industrial technology. Real commercial influence with direct visibility to senior leadership across Southern Africa. Work on large, complex, multi-million-rand projects spanning industries and borders. A collaborative, high-performing team where your expertise is genuinely valued. Closing Date: 15 July 2026 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.