Store Finance Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Store Finance Manager to oversee and manage all financial activities within the store. This role is responsible for ensuring financial integrity, maintaining compliance with company policies and procedures, supporting operational decision-making, and contributing to the overall profitability and performance of the business.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control and Reporting

• Manage daily, weekly, and monthly financial reporting requirements to Head Office.
• Review payroll reports weekly before submission to Head Office.
• Ensure all financial deadlines are met in accordance with Head Office requirements.
• Prepare and present monthly store performance reports to the Executive Committee.
• Conduct daily transaction reviews and reconciliations between Arch and Pastel systems.
• Manage supplier accounts, reconciliations, and payment processes.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and coordinate direct payments in consultation with Head Office.
• Audit and reconcile supplier statements against the Pastel Evolution accounting system.
• Monitor critical supplier balances and forecast store requirements to prevent supply interruptions.
• Support working capital optimization initiatives.

Debtor Management

• Monitor debtor accounts and collections on a weekly basis.
• Ensure all debtor accounts are supported by accurate and complete documentation.
• Track arrears and implement appropriate collection measures.
• Review debtor age analyses regularly and ensure compliance with agreed payment terms.
• Assess and approve new customer credit applications within delegated authority limits.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and financial controls.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors alongside Group and Regional Finance Management.
• Safeguard company assets, including stock, cash, and fixed assets.
• Oversee GRV processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Conduct daily reviews of outstanding GRVs and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor cashier shortages and overages through regular reviews and reporting.
• Perform unannounced cash float spot checks and oversee cash office controls.
• Manage weekly cash office float balancing and trolley reporting.
• Review and maintain system user permissions and access controls.
• Ensure the safeguarding of Arch Coin and empty vouchers.

People Management

• Lead, develop, and support administration, front-end control, and cash office teams.
• Clearly communicate performance expectations and operational standards.
• Motivate staff through effective leadership and leading by example.
• Manage leave planning, scheduling, staffing levels, and overtime within approved guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and company HR policies.
• Handle staff grievances and disciplinary matters appropriately.
• Drive goal-setting initiatives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Facilitate ongoing staff training and development.
• Monitor team productivity and review departmental structures regularly.

Cash Management

• Ensure strict adherence to all cash-handling and cash-security procedures.
• Manage cash flow requirements, including payments for stock and operational expenses.
• Review and approve daily cash-up reports and reconciliations.
• Verify that cash deposits and card transactions reconcile accurately each day.
• Control operational expenses through appropriate authorization processes.
• Monitor store financial performance against budget and income statement targets.
• Ensure rebate income and other revenue streams are accurately accounted for.
• Authorize payments within approved limits of authority.
• Prepare and review monthly transport income statements to assess delivery profitability.

Systems and Procedures

• Ensure compliance with all company systems, controls, and operational procedures.
• Review and authorize refunds, overrings, and related day-end transactions.

Stock Management

• Lead and support stock take planning and execution.
• Ensure stock counts are completed in line with company standards and budget requirements.
• Partner with Operations to ensure accurate stock-taking processes.
• Analyze stock variance reports and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Conduct monthly stock reviews and address inventory-related risks and hazards.

General Responsibilities

• Perform ongoing assessments of store administration staff and processes.
• Undertake additional duties as required by the Store Manager or Head Office.
• Provide operational support across the business as needed.
• Act in relief capacities when required to support business continuity.

Key Competencies

• Financial Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership and Team Development
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication and Collaboration
• Integrity and Accountability
• Risk and Compliance Awareness

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in a financial management role, preferably within a retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Systems and Software

• Proficiency in accounting software such as SAP and/or Pastel.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.