Operational Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a hands-on, commercially astute Operational Financial Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day financial operations across multiple entities and markets.
This role is ideal for a finance professional who thrives in an operational, fast-paced environment, enjoys partnering with the business, and takes pride in strong financial controls, accurate reporting, and enabling sound commercial decision-making.

POSITION INFO:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee daily financial operations including accounting, cash flow, and transactional processing
• Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and detailed financial reports
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial information
• Monitor budgets and forecasts, providing insights on cost control and profitability
• Manage the annual external audit process end-to-end

Operational & Commercial Support

• Partner with operational and departmental leaders to support business performance
• Conduct monthly reviews of divisional revenue trackers, ensuring accurate capture in the ERP system
• Support commercial teams with quarterly budgeting and performance analysis
• Provide training, guidance, and ad-hoc support to the accountant, junior accountant, and regional commercial teams
• Drive clean-up initiatives by coordinating internal teams and external consultants

Compliance, Governance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements (with support from payroll teams and external consultants where applicable)
• Maintain and continuously improve internal financial controls and procedures
• Manage internal and external audits and address findings proactively
• Coordinate and manage tax audits with external consultants
• Ensure adherence to company policies and governance frameworks

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital requirements
• Oversee banking relationships, payments, and reconciliations
• Monitor debtors and creditors to ensure optimal cash management

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Supervise and support the Accountant and Junior Accountant
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management
• Act as the key finance liaison with auditors, tax consultants, banks, and external stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Professional qualification (e.g. BCom, SAIPA, CIMA) – advantageous
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant financial management experience
• Industry experience in a fast-paced or services environment – advantageous
• Experience working across multiple markets or regions – advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP systems (Microsoft Navision highly advantageous)
• Advanced Excel capability
• High attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, operationally focused, and a true team player
• Proactive, results-driven, and solutions-oriented
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Confident decision-maker with a commercial mindset