Finance Manager

OutsideCapital; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing and distribution firm in South Africa is seeking a Group Financial Controller. This role requires an analytical leader to own the financial strategy and optimize the SAP ERP system. You will drive operational efficiency, oversee governance and compliance, and provide strategic insights to executive decision-makers. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in financial reporting and product costing, and a collaborative approach to leadership. This is a key position that impacts the organization’s growth and success.

Qualifications

• Expert-level experience in Financial/Controlling modules within a large SAP ERP.
• Proven track record in Group Financial Reporting and statutory compliance.
• Deep practical experience in Product Costing and Margin Analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own the group financial strategy and cash flow management.
• Lead optimization of SAP ERP system and financial controls.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators for financial health insights.
• Collaborate with Logistics to enhance inventory optimization.
• Oversee group tax submissions and external audit relationships.

Skills

SAP ERP expertise

Group Financial Reporting

Product Costing

Cross-departmental collaboration

Tools

Financial Control Systems

Data visualization tools

Job description

Our client is a dynamic and established leader within the manufacturing and distribution sector, deeply rooted in providing essential, high-quality products to the market. They are currently undergoing a significant period of operational refinement, focusing heavily on optimizing their supply chain, warehousing, and core financial infrastructure to support ambitious future growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to be the financial architect driving efficiency across physical operations and strategic planning.

Are you a strategic financial leader ready to move beyond traditional reporting and directly influence operational excellence?

We are seeking a highly analytical and results‑driven Group Financial Controller to act as the strategic finance partner across the entire business, from the warehouse floor to the executive boardroom. This is not just a compliance role; this is an opportunity to architect and own the financial strategy, integrity of core systems (including SAP ERP), and operational efficiency. You will be instrumental in standardizing processes, driving margin visibility across complex product lines, and ensuring robust financial controls underpin rapid, sustainable expansion. If you thrive where finance meets operations, and you are passionate about building scalable, high‑performance financial frameworks, this role offers unparalleled impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Ownership: Own the group financial strategy, cash flow management, and integrity of the ERP financial infrastructure, ensuring all reporting aligns with best‑in‑class governance.
• System Optimization & Control: Lead the maintenance and optimization of the SAP ERP system specifically for financial modules, standardizing account structures and implementing robust financial controls across all transactional processes (AP/AR).
• Performance Insight: Develop and embed critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked directly to core revenue drivers, providing C‑level insight on financial health, risk, and capital deployment for expansion opportunities.
• Operational Efficiency Driver: Evaluate and overhaul Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the finance function and collaborate closely with Logistics and Warehouse leadership to enhance inventory optimization, transport cost analysis, and overall operational throughput.
• Cost & Margin Mastery: Take full ownership of product costing models and Gross Profit analysis, delivering granular reporting (e.g., Sales vs. Cost analysis per agent) to executive decision‑makers.
• Governance & Compliance: Oversee all group tax submissions and manage complex external audit relationships, ensuring strict adherence to group accounting standards and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Systems Proficiency - Expert‑level experience managing and optimizing the Financial/Controlling modules within a large‑scale SAP ERP environment.
• Technical Acumen - Proven track record in high‑volume Group Financial Reporting, statutory compliance, and managing complex Tax submissions and external audits.
• Operational Finance - Deep practical experience in Product Costing, Margin Analysis, and integrating financial controls with Supply Chain/Warehouse operations.
• Leadership - Demonstrated ability to foster accountability and drive cross‑departmental alignment using a collaborative leadership approach.

Nice‑to‑Haves (Beneficial)

• Industry Exposure - Prior exposure to manufacturing, distribution, or high‑volume inventory environments.
• Analytical Tools - Familiarity with advanced data visualization tools beyond standard Excel reporting.
• Process Improvement - Certification or proven experience in Lean or Six Sigma methodologies applied to finance or operations.