Commercial Finance Manager - Woodmead (JHB North)

Aspen Pharma Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Johannesburg seeks a Commercial Finance Manager to execute financial functions. Responsibilities include preparing timely reports, managing budgets and forecasts, and providing insights for decision-making to maximize profitability. Applicants should have a CA(SA) or ACMA CGMA qualification and at least 3 years of finance experience.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in a finance environment (audit experience preferred).
• Experience in pharmaceutical or FMCG industry preferred.
• Commercial, post-articles experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and submit financial reports to stakeholders.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Support business heads with financial insights for reviews.

Skills

Effective planning

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Logical reasoning

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Education

CA(SA) or ACMA CGMA

Matric / Grade 12

Tools

Advanced Excel

MS Office

ERP System (SAP)

Job description

Job title : Commercial Finance Manager - Woodmead (JHB North)

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : October 04, 2025

OBJECTIVE

Execute the SA Commercial Finance Functions with direct responsibility for preparing, analysing and submitting accurate, useful financial reports to key stakeholders in the business on time and in full. The role supports decision making in line with company’s strategic objectives with a focus on maximising profitability.

Responsibilities

• Month-end Close and Reporting
• Analysis, Reporting and Management of:
• Sales (including discounts, dealing and rebates), COGS and Gross Profit
• Operating Expenses
• Accruals and Provisions including applicable balance sheet reconciliation and management
• Journal preparation and posting
• Analysing and explaining all variances to Budget, Forecast and Prior Year by (where appropriate):
• Brand
• Customer
• Division etc.
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Annual Budget, Five Year Plan and Quarterly Forecast Processes
• Facilitate Budget, Forecast & Five-Year model processes
• Prepare and maintain calculation templates including loading and analysing calculated values (e.g. Log Fees, Distribution Fees, Trade Expenditure)
• Price, volume mix analysis
• Detailed review analysis and explanation of all Income Statement lines
• Insightful reporting on variances
• Input into Budget presentation pack
• Address queries timeously
• Projects and Business Partnering
• Ad Hoc tasks to be performed in line with applicable policies and levels of authority
• Pricing
• Selling prices
• Discounts & Dealing
• COGS
• Review and critically analyse New Product Launch P&L statements with reference to marketing plans and other input from the business
• Facilitate robust Brand Plan processes including template development, maintenance and management by working closely with appropriate stakeholders
• Supporting the Business Heads and their teams in preparing for quarterly brand and performance reviews by providing templates, information, and meaningful analysis.
• Provide day to day financial support and training to the business
• Address ad-hoc queries (including Internal and External Audit requirements)
• Perform ROI analysis
• Review and sign off Commission calculations
• Projects as assigned
• Perform designated approval function in line with approvals framework
• Identifying and documenting risks and opportunities
• Third party reporting in line with contractual requirements
• Process flow improvements
• Ensuring transactions are accounted for in line with IFRS
• Ensuring adequate financial controls are designed and implemented for the respective business units
• Ensuring that reports are balanced between systems and supporting documents
• Review, approve and update SOPs from a financial control perspective

Education & Experience

• Matric / Grade 12
• CA(SA) or ACMA CGMA
• At least 3 years working experience in a finance environment (audit or otherwise)
• Commercial, post articles experience preferred
• Prior experience in the interpretation and use of accounting standards and the Companies Act
• Pharmaceutical / FMCG industry and Commercial Finance experience preferred

Knowledge

• Management Accounting & Analysis
• Financial Accounting (IFRS)
• Companies Act
• MS Office
• Advanced Excel (Financial Modelling preferred)
• Master Data principles
• Scenario analysis
• ERP System (SAP advantageous)

Skills and Attributes

• Effective planning, organising and co-ordinating skills to prioritise tasks, manage projects and deliver high quality work under pressure
• Highly numerate
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Logical reasoning
• Results driven
• Problem solving and decision making
• Commercial and strategic awareness
• Independent and self-directed individual who can drive execution;
• Effective interpersonal skills and able to influence people and decisions
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Accounting / Financial Services jobs