Finance Manager

Southey Contracting Offshore Division; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international contracting firm in Cape Town is seeking a Financial Manager to oversee financial operations across Africa. The ideal candidate will prepare accurate financial reports, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations while acting as a strategic partner to regional leadership. Candidates should have qualifications as a qualified accountant and at least 5 years of financial management experience. This role requires strong analytical and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in financial management, preferably in a regional or multi-location role.
• Strong knowledge of local and international financial reporting standards and regulations.
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced MS Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial reports for regional leadership on time.
• Oversee budgeting and forecasting for all locations in the region.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and highlight financial trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards)

Job description

The Financial Manager will be responsible for the overseeing the regional financial operations of Africa, ensuring effective management of budgets, forecasting, reporting, and compliance. This role serves as a strategic partner to regional leadership, driving financial performance and supporting business objectives.

Main Responsibilities :

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for regional leadership in line with deadlines
• Oversee the budgeting and forecasting process across all locations in the region
• Ensure compliance across African locations with corporate reporting standards and regional regulatory requirements
• Highlight financial trends and provide actionable insights to address opportunities and challenges

Operational Oversight :

• Monitor and control regional operational expenses, ensuring efficient use of resources
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve cost efficiency and profitability
• Work closely with operations to improve business performance and deliver results in line with budgets and forecasts
• Ensure optimal levels of working capital management are in place to improve the cash conversion cycle
• Oversee the implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems across the region
• Ensure optimal repatriation of funds from locations in Africa to requested locations, minimizing tax levels and timeliness of transfers
• Supervise and mentor regional finance staff, fostering a culture of high performance
• Provide training and support to enhance the skills and expertise of the finance team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure financial strategies are integrated into operational plans
• Set objectives and KPIs through annual performance plans for team members in line with regional goals

Compliance and Risk Management :

• Ensure compliance with local tax, regulatory, and legal requirements by delivering returns in line with local and regional deadlines
• Ensure business functions are in line with the DOA and other control-based mechanisms
• Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them
• Ensure monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts
• Support internal and external audits, addressing any findings effectively

Business Partnering :

• Work closely with regional leadership to support business growth initiatives
• Provide financial input on new projects, investments, and expansion plans
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, offering guidance on the financial implications of strategic decisions

Process Improvement :

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance accuracy
• Design and implement robust policies and procedures to safeguard assets and smooth the running of the businesses across the region
• Roll out initiatives to improve business performance
• Support the adoption of new technologies and tools for financial management
• Drive initiatives to improve financial information provided to support businesses in their decision-making process

Recognized Qualifications and Experience :

• Qualified Accountant through one of the Internationally recognized Institutes (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• 5 plus years of experience in financial management, preferably in a regional or multi-location role (Angola a preference)
• Strong knowledge of local and international financial reporting standards and regulations
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Effective leadership and team management abilities
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced MS Excel skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Microsoft Dynamix that is a plus but not essential
• Candidates need to have a strong background in one of the main ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards).