General Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
Are you a commercially driven finance leader who understands the complexities of commodity trading, trade finance and financial risk management?

POSITION INFO:
This is your opportunity to take the financial lead in a dynamic, high-value commodity trading environment, where your commercial insight and strategic financial expertise will directly influence business performance and growth. Our client is seeking an exceptional General Finance Manager to drive the Group's financial strategy, strengthen financial governance, optimise profitability and proactively manage financial risk across its operations. This is a key leadership position for someone who can balance strategic direction with hands-on financial oversight in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment. Reporting directly to the Executive Directors , you will work closely with the MD, Board and commercial teams, acting as a trusted financial business partner. You will play a pivotal role in strategic decision-making, evaluating commercial opportunities, safeguarding the Group's financial position and supporting sustainable business growth. YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and drive the Group's overall financial strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, long-term growth plans and commercial priorities. Lead the budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, providing meaningful financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making. Oversee treasury, trade finance, liquidity and working capital management, ensuring sufficient funding, effective cash flow planning and optimal utilisation of financial resources. Monitor and evaluate commodity trading financial performance, including profitability, trading margins, inventory exposure, cost structures and working capital requirements. Manage foreign exchange exposure, commodity derivatives, hedging strategies and counterparty risk to protect the Group against market volatility and financial exposure. Establish and maintain strong strategic relationships with banks, financial institutions, funding partners and other key stakeholders to secure appropriate financing facilities and support business operations. Oversee the Group's financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, transparency and timely delivery of management accounts, financial statements and performance reports. Strengthen financial governance, internal controls and risk management frameworks while ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax requirements, audits and regulatory obligations. Provide the Executive Directors and Board with clear financial reporting, commercial insights, risk assessments and strategic recommendations to guide business decisions. Evaluate new business opportunities, commercial transactions and investment decisions, assessing their financial viability, profitability and associated risks. Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering accountability, technical excellence and a strong commercial mindset. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field. CA(SA), ACCA, CPA or CFA qualification will be highly advantageous. 15+ years' progressive finance experience, including extensive senior leadership and strategic financial management exposure. Strong treasury and trade finance expertise gained within commodity trading, mining, metals, energy, shipping or similar trading environments. Proven experience managing foreign exchange exposure, hedging strategies, commodity derivatives and complex financial risks. Demonstrated ability to oversee cash flow, liquidity, working capital and funding requirements within a high-value, transaction-driven business. Strong understanding of commodity trading economics, including trading margins, inventory management, profitability and counterparty exposure. Proven track record in developing and executing financial strategies that improve business performance, optimise profitability and support sustainable growth. Exceptional commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and translate it into practical, strategic business decisions. Experience engaging and negotiating with banks, financial institutions, funding partners and senior commercial stakeholders. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the confidence and credibility to engage directly with Executive Directors, the MD and Board. A decisive, influential and hands-on leadership style, with a proven ability to lead, develop and inspire high-performing finance teams.