Financial Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Red Ember Recruitment on behalf of our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Financial Manager to lead the finance function and provide strong financial leadership across the business. This role is ideal for a commercially minded finance professional with a proven track record in financial management, reporting, compliance, and team leadership. Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting Ensure quality control and integrity across all financial transactions, reporting and compliance. Review income statement and balance sheet items monthly to ensure reports are accurate and complete. Provide accurate and complete management reports within required deadlines. Prepare and review financial reports and analysis. Provide strategic input based on financial results. Analyse financial results and relevant business intelligence. Prepare and review monthly and annual balance sheet reconciliations. Review payments and reconciliations relating to VAT, salaries, suppliers and taxes. Month-End & Year-End Management Control month-end processing and reconciliation procedures. Ensure daily, weekly and monthly finance deadlines are achieved. Manage year-end close procedures. Develop and implement business processes and internal controls. Coordinate annual audit preparations, schedules and queries. Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements. Cash Flow & Stakeholder Management Manage cash flow and prepare forecasts. Liaise with banks, auditors, landlords and other relevant stakeholders. Monitor financial obligations and ensure appropriate controls are maintained. Provide financial information and strategic advice to senior management. Team Management Manage and support the finance team. Assist with recruitment, interviews and selection processes. Conduct performance reviews and manage team development. Manage leave planning and ensure appropriate operational coverage. Provide guidance and leadership to finance staff. Ensure finance deadlines and responsibilities are clearly allocated and achieved. Creditors & Financial Controls Ensure creditor payments are aligned with approved budgets and payment processes. Provide input into the annual budget process. Highlight monthly financial fluctuations and variances timeously. Assist with creditor provisioning and accruals. Review internal and external creditor reconciliations. Review age analysis reconciliations. Tax, Audit & Compliance Oversee income tax, provisional tax and deferred tax calculations and submissions. Manage SARS-related audits and queries. Ensure statutory and tax compliance requirements are met. Oversee stock take procedures and analysis of results. Support audit processes and ensure queries are resolved. Budgeting & Business Support Lead and support annual budget preparation. Analyse financial performance against budget. Assist with acquisitions and due diligence-related financial work where required. Identify opportunities to streamline and automate systems and procedures. Prepare financial presentations for directors and shareholders. Maintain finance systems and ensure appropriate functionality and controls. Provide full finance leadership support when required. Manage specific finance projects and objectives throughout the year. Requirements CA(SA) or CIMA with a minimum of 4 years' post-article industry experience; or BCom degree with completed SAICA\/SAIPA articles and a minimum of 6 years' post-article experience in a similar position. Minimum 2 years' retail experience. Strong knowledge and understanding of IFRS for SMEs and South African tax. Advanced Excel skills – non-negotiable. High computer literacy. Sage Evolution knowledge will be a strong advantage. Excellent reconciliation skills. Strong financial and technical accounting knowledge. Proven people management experience – non-negotiable. Excellent English communication skills. Competencies Strong leadership and people management skills. Strategic and commercial financial thinking. High attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organisational and planning ability. Ability to work under pressure and manage strict deadlines. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage high volumes and competing priorities. Self-starter who is adaptable, energetic and confident. Strong team player. Results-driven with a strong focus on delivery.