Finance Manager

Outsourced CFO; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing agency in Sandton seeks a Finance Manager to reclaim internal financial operations. This role demands a hands-on leader who can manage a finance team and implement internal controls. The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years in financial management, ideally with agency experience. Familiarity with Chase software is crucial. The position emphasizes proactive cash flow management and direct involvement in the financial nuances of the agency business.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a Financial Management role.
• Proven experience in managing a full-function finance department.
• Previous experience in a BTL, experiential, or creative agency is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a finance team of three and regain internal control.
• Oversee a multi-million rand debtors book and drive collections strategy.
• Manage payroll for permanent staff, Brand Ambassadors, and contractors.

Skills

Cost Accounting

Financial Management

Project-Based Financial Management

Problem-Solving

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Chase

Xero

Job description

Sandton, South Africa | Posted on 14/01/2026

Are you a seasoned finance professional who gets excited by the challenge of "fixing the engine while the car is driving"?

We are recruiting on behalf of a client who is a rapidly growing 360° Below-the-Line (BTL) agency with a unique footprint that includes in-house creative, a full-scale manufacturing factory, and national logistics operations.

They are looking for a Finance Manager to step in, take the reins, and bring their financial operations entirely in-house. This is not a role for a "spectator" CA— they need an entrepreneurial, hands-on leader who wants to own the Trial Balance, implement rigid internal controls, and drive profitability across a complex, multi-faceted business.

This is a critical leadership role with a clear mandate: reclaim internal control. You will lead a finance team of three and transition our functions away from outsourced support back into the heart of our office.

Financial Sovereignty: Take full ownership of the Trial Balance and centralize all accounting functions.

Operational Control: Implement robust internal controls and policies to support a high-volume, fast-moving business.

Complex Project Accounting: Manage job costing and profitability analysis for a business that manufactures physical goods and delivers experiential events.

Cash Flow & Debtors: Oversee a multi-million rand debtors book and drive a proactive collections strategy.

Payroll Oversight: Manage a complex payroll environment involving permanent staff, Brand Ambassadors, and independent contractors.

Strategic Reporting: Provide the CEO with real-time, accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting to guide business growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

Minimum 5+ years in a Financial Management role.

Proven experience in managing a full-function finance department.

Must reside in Johannesburg and be able to work daily from our Wynbergoffice (this is a hands-on, on-site role).

They aren't looking for a "typical" corporate accountant. The team need a business partner who understands the nuance of an agency environment.

• Experience: Ideally ~10 years of diverse experience. While a CA qualification is valued, we prioritize a proven track record in Cost Accounting and project-based financial management.
  
• Agency DNA: Previous experience in a BTL, experiential, or creative agency is highly preferred. You must understand the "agency rhythm."
  
• Systems Savvy: Proficiency in Chase is essential (job costing/expense management). Familiarity with Xero is a major advantage.
  
• Leadership Style: You are a "problem-finder" and a "problem-solver." You are comfortable getting your hands dirty in the spreadsheets while simultaneously mentoring your team.
  
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: You understand that finance is there to support the business's growth, not just to report on it.