Finance Executive

Motus Corporation; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive group seeks a Finance Executive based in Free State, responsible for driving financial performance across multiple dealerships. You will oversee financial operations, ensure compliance with governance frameworks, and develop finance teams. Strong leadership and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a dealership setting are essential. The role requires advanced Excel and dealership management skills to support strategic financial decision-making and maintain operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ experience as a Dealership Financial Manager.
• Experience in managing and developing finance teams in a multi-site environment.
• Strong commercial and operational finance background.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations across assigned dealerships.
• Support preparation of annual budgets and forecasts.
• Maintain strong internal control environments.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Advanced Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified accountant (CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Dealership management systems (e.g., Kerridge/CDK)

Job description

Role Purpose

The Finance Executive is responsible for driving the financial performance, governance, and control of a portfolio of dealerships within the division. Reporting directly to the Franchise Executive and indirectly to the CFO, the role provides strategic financial leadership, ensures robust financial governance, and delivers high-quality financial insight to support operational and commercial decision‑making.

The Finance Executive oversees Regional Financial Manager(s) and develops dealership‑based Finance Managers, ensuring consistent financial standards, accurate reporting, and alignment with group objectives to maximise profitability and operational efficiency across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all financial operations across the assigned dealerships, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete management accounts and statutory reporting.
• Review dealership financial performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
• Consolidate and present regional financial results to senior leadership.
• Ensure adherence to group accounting policies, statutory requirements, and internal control frameworks.
• Review monthly General Ledger audit files and validate the accuracy of financial information submitted by Finance Managers.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the preparation of annual budgets and periodic forecasts at dealership and regional level.
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support strategic planning and key business decisions.
• Monitor performance against budget, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions.

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Maintain a strong internal control environment across all dealerships.
• Actively participate in internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Safeguard company assets, including stock, cash, debtors, and fixed assets.
• Ensure compliance with all internal policies, procedures, and delegated authorities.
• Implement new company policies and procedures as required.

Supplier, Contract & Payroll Oversight

• Supplier & Creditor Management:
• • Spot‑check creditor reconciliations, resolve items older than 30 days, negotiate optimal payment terms or settlement discounts, and ensure the use of preferred suppliers.
  • Maintain appropriate service‑level agreements (SLAs) to support effective cash‑flow management.
• Contract Governance:
• • Review and approve all dealer contracts, ensuring alignment with delegation of authority and confirmation that contracts are reviewed and authorised by the Motus Retail Legal Department.
• Payroll Accuracy & Controls:
• • Ensure payroll job titles, designations, and departments are accurate and complete.
  • Review and sign off commissions and incentive calculations prior to payroll processing.
• Remuneration Review:
• • Review all commission structures and salary increases and submit recommendations to the Franchise Executive, CFO, and CEO for final approval.

Tax Governance & Compliance

• Provide guidance on the interpretation and application of taxation legislation.
• Stay current with legislative changes impacting financial reporting and taxation.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and valid VAT, PAYE, and other tax submissions, supported by monthly reconciliations prepared by Finance Managers.
• Review deferred and current tax entries processed to retained earnings.
• Validate tax computations included in Hyperion packs and complete tax calculations required by Retail Head Office for provisional tax payments.

Operational & People Leadership

• Ensure all internal and Head Office deadlines are met.
• Train and develop finance staff, particularly on accounting standards, VAT, policies, and procedures.
• Support Dealer Principals and Finance Managers with financial and operational queries.
• Visit dealerships regularly to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and segregation of duties.
• Ensure accurate recognition of expenses, provisions, and accruals in the correct accounting periods.
• Oversee insurance renewals and ensure adequate and appropriate cover is maintained at all times.
• Drive BBBEE compliance and continuous improvement in scoring.
• Act as second signatory for dealership payment releases, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and appropriate authorisation, while actively identifying group‑wide cost efficiencies and leveraging divisional scale when reviewing supplier payments and spend.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience as a Dealership Financial Manager.
• Qualified accountant (CIMA or equivalent) – advantageous.
• Strong commercial and operational finance experience.
• Proven experience in managing, coaching, and developing finance teams within a multi‑site environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• High attention to detail and strong ethical standards.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Proficiency in dealership management systems (e.g. Kerridge/CDK, Drive IA, Evolve, or similar).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Regional profitability and cost control.
• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Compliance with audit, tax, and internal control requirements.
• Development and performance of Finance Managers.
• Achievement of budgeted financial targets and operational efficiency improvements.

Travel Requirements

• Preference for candidates based in the Free State.
• Alternatively, ability and willingness to travel regularly to and from the Free State.
• Availability to spend extended periods at dealership sites during audits, training, or investigations.