Executive Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
The Executive Finance Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance with South African and German regulatory standards, and aligning financial strategies with corporate objectives. This position serves as a critical link between the South African entity and the German head office.

POSITION INFO:

Sub tasks.

Activity description / technical tasks

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies that align with local and global business objectives.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to the South African leadership team and the German head office.
• Drive long-term financial planning, including investments and CAPEX aligned with global priorities.
• Collaborate with the global finance team to align financial policies and reporting frameworks.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee the preparation and analysis of local financial accounts, ensuring compliance with South African and German reporting standards (IFRS and/or HGB).
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the German head office.
• Monitor financial performance, analysing variances, and recommending corrective actions.
• Prepare statutory financial statements in compliance with South African Companies Act and German expectations.
• Support the annual external audit process, ensuring transparency and alignment with international standards.

Taxation and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with South African tax regulations (SARS), including VAT, PAYE, and corporate tax submissions.
• Coordinate with the German head office to address cross-border taxation issues and transfer pricing compliance.
• Maintain statutory records to meet both South African legal requirements and global standards.
• Ensure compliance with Reserve Bank regulations for international transactions.

Cash Flow and Treasury Management

• Manage local liquidity and cash flow to support daily operations and long-term financial health.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term cash flow forecasting models.
• Collaborate with the German treasury team on global financial strategies, including hedging, credit facilities, and currency risk management.
• Oversee the application for and management of letters of credit, bank guarantees, and other treasury instruments.

Cost and Stock Management

• Monitor and optimize cost structures, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Oversee inventory management to ensure accuracy, insurance coverage, and risk mitigation for local and global stock requirements.
• Conduct profitability analyses on key production inputs such as aluminum.

Capex and Project Oversight

• Evaluate the financial viability and risks of new CAPEX projects, ensuring alignment with global standards.
• Manage government incentive programs such as the AIS and APDP, ensuring timely submission and compliance.
• Collaborate with external service providers to optimize financial returns from incentives.

Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Implement and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks.
• Identify and address gaps in compliance with South African and global financial policies.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for all local and cross-border business assets.
• Drive adherence to audit requirements and ensure the closure of all findings from internal and external audits.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the South African entity and the German head office for financial matters.
• Build and maintain relationships with banks, auditors, regulatory authorities, and other external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with global finance teams on standardization, process improvement, and financial system integration.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead and mentor the local finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Identify training needs and implement development programs to upskill the team.
• Promote collaboration between the South African and German teams to drive alignment and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and foster a positive, productive work environment.