FINANCIAL (INCL. COMMERCIAL) MANAGER

SUMMARY:
FAST PACED FMCG SECTOR - LISTED GROUP

POSITION INFO:

Based Cape Town.  Join the largest Branch in South Africa of this JSE listed Group in their Western Cape business which is in the FMCG industry.  It is fast paced, highly challenging and demanding.  Report into the General Manager who has a Sales and Marketing background, is team driven and a people’s person.  However, she pursues excellence, is a straight talker and has a demanding management style.  In addition to being a “hands-on” Financial Manager which is not desk or office bound, the candidate will be involved in the broader aspects of the business as outlined below.  This particular Branch is in line for the award of “Branch of the Year” noting that there are multiple Branches in the Group which includes the major cities as well as in the less prominent areas of SA.  There is a very large Operations Division within this Branch which has a large Fleet, complex Warehouse configuration, a 24/7 day and night shift operation where timeous route to market underlines the success of the business. 

Key performance areas, inter alia, include:         

• Manage, mentor and motivate a large Financial/Admin Dept of 15 Staff – Bookkeepers, Debtors Clerks, Creditors Clerks & Admin Staff, most of whom have been with the business for many years and are good at what they do. 
• As the sophisticated accounting requirements like IFRS, Tax etc. are done at Head Office in Jhb, it is therefore very important that the Financial Manager understands the “nuts and bolts” of accounting and bookkeeping so as to ensure that the full accounting cycle is accurate.  Therefore, the 3 Bookkeepers work has to be constantly reviewed which includes the various Recons prepared by them as well as the Debtors and Creditors.  The candidate is fully responsible for the integrity of information including the Reporting Function and maintaining the Fixed Assets Register.
• Prepare the Monthly Accounts Pack using a sophisticated Template on Excel (the Accounting Software produces the Trial Balance and the data is then transferred).  It must be emphasised that the Pack has to be completed by latest 2 days after the month-end which is picked up by the Corporate Head Office as the entire Group has a cloud based computer system. Furthermore, present monthly financial reviews to MANCO where you will be a member.
• Prepare and present the Annual Budget which is very detailed and time driven, due to the very high volume of Products noting that the customer base is the largest in the country.  In addition, prepare  Forecasts as requested which is on a needs basis.
• There is a Weekly and Monthly Expense Report which is prepared by Head Office (the information is sent to them from the Branch and the candidate will be responsible for the accuracy of this information). The Expenses need to be analysed for anomalies as well the analysis of Sales versus Budget ensuring that all Departments are aware of how they are tracking.  Recommendations for improvements are required when applicable.
• Be fully responsible for the Debtors and Creditors function as well as the Year-end Audit Process and Reporting.  In addition, maintain Internal Controls and implement changes when required.
• Commercial responsibilities include assisting Sales, Operations, Procurement, IT and Human Resources.  This includes but not limited to visiting Customers to sort out queries, assist with route optimisation process and running stocktakes, evaluate & sign new Supplier Credit Applications, managing IT at the Branch (there is a Corporate IT Division at Head Office who will assist as and when necessary) and chair Disciplinary Enquiries if required (training will be provided if needed).

Requirements:

• Financial Degree which may be B Comm Accounting or Financial Management or similar.  Must have 5 years plus experience in Management, especially in a relatively large Financial Department where ongoing guidance and mentorship is required.
• Must be from a FMCG environment in a large business with a proven successful track record in not only Financial Management but commercial areas as well.  The candidate will provide financial guidance to the General Manager as well as other Management and should have a good feel for business.
• Advanced Excel skills are required including V & H Lookups, Sum-ifs, Pivot Tables and Formulas.  Naturally, accuracy and attention to detail are essential as well as high energy levels, ability to problem solve and add value beyond reporting on numbers.

Apply on-line or alternatively phone Gerald Lilian on (011)-----.

Be advised that if you do not receive a response within two weeks from date of submission of your CV, then please deem your application as unsuccessful.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.