Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
Finance Manager | East London | Permanent
 
Finance Manager - Lead Finance at the Heart of a High-Performing Manufacturing Environment

POSITION INFO:
Are you a commercially minded Finance Manager who enjoys being close to the operation and making a tangible impact on business performance?

An established international manufacturing business is seeking a hands-on finance leader to take ownership of the finance function and partner closely with operational leadership.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with Group Finance, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while remaining involved in the day-to-day financial management of the business. Leading a small team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring robust financial controls, driving operational efficiencies, and providing meaningful insights that support sustainable growth.

Join a well-established organisation with a global footprint and a strong reputation within the manufacturing sector. This role offers broad exposure across financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, compliance, and commercial operations, providing an ideal platform for a finance professional who enjoys both strategic involvement and hands-on execution.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Finance Manager who enjoys operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment and partnering closely with the business to drive performance, profitability, and long-term success.


Duties:

• Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Prepare management accounts, board packs, cash flow statements, and variance analysis.
• Ensure robust reporting controls and governance processes are maintained.
• Deliver meaningful financial insights to support business performance.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning processes.
• Perform monthly and quarterly variance analysis and provide recommendations.
• Support strategic planning and business decision-making.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and ensure adequate liquidity.
• Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, insurers, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee debtor management, foreign exchange, financing, and related commercial activities.
• Ensure commercial contracts and company documentation are appropriately safeguarded.
• Lead and develop the finance team.
• Review reconciliations and ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Drive improvements in systems, controls, reporting processes, and policies.
• Support broader business administration and special projects.
• Coordinate interim and year-end audits.
• Prepare annual financial statements and audit packs.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and tax obligations.
• Support company secretarial and governance requirements.

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Management Accounting, or a related field.
• CTA, or Honours degree will be advantageous
• CA(SA), CIMA, CGMA

• 8–10 years' progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years within manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or plant environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to manage and develop a small team.
• Strong technical understanding of IFRS, taxation, and statutory reporting requirements.
• ERP systems experience, with SAP or SAP S/4HANA preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Exposure to Group reporting systems such as OneStream will be beneficial.

• Strong commercial and operational finance acumen.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement.
• Exceptional planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively across all levels of the business.
• A hands-on approach with the ability to balance strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Strong leadership capability with a collaborative management style.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and strengthening financial controls.