Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the full financial function of the business within a manufacturing, engineering, industrial or production environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost management, cash flow, statutory compliance and internal financial controls.
This role requires a commercially minded finance professional who can provide strategic financial insights, improve operational efficiencies, manage financial risks and support business growth through sound financial planning and decision-making

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Manage the full financial function, ensuring accurate financial records, reporting and effective financial controls. Prepare and review monthly management accounts, annual financial statements and supporting financial schedules. Analyse financial performance, identify trends and variances, and provide meaningful financial insights and recommendations to management. Lead the annual budgeting process, prepare rolling forecasts and monitor departmental budgets. Develop cash flow forecasts, manage working capital and ensure sufficient liquidity for operational requirements. Conduct financial modelling, scenario analysis and capital expenditure assessments to support business decisions. Develop and maintain manufacturing and product costing models, including direct labour, materials and overhead costs. Monitor standard costing, cost absorption, manufacturing efficiencies, scrap, waste and rework costs. Analyse profitability by product, project, customer and business unit, and support pricing strategies and quotation reviews. Oversee inventory accounting, stock valuation and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting. Monitor stock levels, investigate stock variances and identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory. Work closely with procurement and operations to improve inventory management, cost efficiencies and working capital performance. Monitor debtor collections, creditor payment cycles, banking facilities and payment runs. Manage VAT, PAYE, income tax and other statutory obligations, ensuring accurate and timeous submissions. Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, the Companies Act, IFRS for SMEs and relevant accounting standards. Coordinate internal and external audits and maintain effective financial governance and risk management practices. Liaise with external auditors, SARS, banks, insurers, suppliers and other relevant stakeholders. Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations and intercompany transactions, ensuring accurate financial reporting across entities. Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, including Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. Establish performance objectives, conduct performance reviews and promote accountability and continuous improvement. Drive improvements in financial processes, systems, policies and procedures. Maintain accurate statutory and administrative records in accordance with applicable legal and retention requirements. Minimum Requirements Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA or an equivalent professional qualification will be advantageous. Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience Minimum 7-10 years' experience in a finance management role within a manufacturing, engineering, industrial or production environment. Strong knowledge of financial reporting, accounting principles and manufacturing cost accounting. Experience with ERP and financial management systems. Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and working capital optimisation. Experience in inventory management, stock valuation, product costing and profitability analysis. Experience managing and developing finance teams. Experience liaising directly with external auditors and SARS. Sound knowledge of South African tax legislation, statutory requirements, the Companies Act and applicable IFRS standards. Key Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Commercial and strategic thinking. Strong leadership and people management abilities. Effective communication and stakeholder management skills. Sound financial judgement and decision-making. Strong planning, organisational and time-management skills. Accountability, initiative and self-motivation. Ability to work under pressure and meet statutory deadlines. A continuous improvement mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving financial and operational challenges. Commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date with changes in financial, tax and governance legislation.