Financial Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

My client in the Automotive / Manufacturing concern is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Manager to join their leadership team. This pivotal role will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, providing strategic financial guidance, and ensuring the fiscal health and integrity of our organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the automotive or manufacturing industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of its unique financial complexities and operational demands.

Duties include:

• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes. Conduct in-depth financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost optimisation and revenue growth.
• Reporting & Compliance: Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, and statutory filings (IFRS/GAAP compliant). Ensure adherence to all relevant financial regulations and internal policies.
• Cash Flow Management: Optimize working capital, manage cash flow, and develop strategies to improve liquidity and profitability.
• Cost Control & Efficiency: Implement robust cost accounting systems and methodologies. Drive initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce expenditures across the business.
• Strategic Support: Partner with senior management to provide financial insights and recommendations that support strategic decision-making, business development, and investment appraisals.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring strong internal controls are in place and adhered to.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with departments such as operations and SCM, to ensure financial strategies align with overall business objectives and support effective decision-making.
• Stakeholder Management: Liaise effectively with auditors, banks, tax authorities, and other external stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• CA(SA) or CIMA qualification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in financial management, with at least 2 years in a senior financial role within the automotive or manufacturing industry is essential.
• Demonstrable expertise in cost accounting, inventory management, and production finance specific to the automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems (preferably SAP, ) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• In-depth knowledge of South African financial regulations and tax laws.