Finance and Operations Manager | Johannesburg, Gauteng | Permanent
Take ownership of the financial and operational infrastructure of a growing, entrepreneurial business where your role extends well beyond traditional finance. This is an opportunity for a hands‑on finance leader who enjoys combining financial management, compliance, people leadership, systems and business operations.
The Finance and Operations Manager will take overall responsibility for the financial management of the Group and its related entities, ensuring that financial information is accurate, controls are effective, statutory obligations are met and reporting supports sound decision‑making. Reporting to the CEO and Directors, the role will provide both management‑level oversight and practical involvement across a broad range of business functions.
This is a genuinely diverse position. In addition to leading the finance and administration team and overseeing accounting, reporting, payroll, tax and statutory compliance, the successful candidate will support Board and executive requirements, coordinate outsourced IT providers, oversee business systems and technology assets, manage property and office administration, coordinate insurance and banking relationships, and contribute to operational improvement projects.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working closely with business owners and senior leaders, taking ownership of multiple priorities and moving between strategic oversight and hands‑on problem‑solving. This role will suit someone who is commercially astute, highly organised and proactive, with the resilience and flexibility to thrive in a fast‑moving environment where no two days are exactly the same.
Our client is an established South African labour and transformation solutions business with a growing, multi‑entity operating structure. The organisation works in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment where practical execution, accountability, compliance and strong relationships are valued. The Finance and Operations Manager will play an important role in strengthening the infrastructure that enables the business and its leadership team to grow sustainably.
What You'll Do
- Take overall responsibility for the financial management of the Group and its related entities
- Oversee monthly accounting processes across multiple legal entities
- Review debtors, creditors, banking transactions, fixed assets, journals, general ledger entries and reconciliations
- Ensure accounting records remain complete, accurate and up to date
- Review monthly financial reports and supporting schedules for management reporting
- Monitor cash flow, working capital, debtors and creditor payment cycles
- Support budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and annual financial statement preparation
- Coordinate year‑end audit requirements and liaise with external auditors, tax practitioners, SARS and other regulatory bodies
- Maintain and strengthen financial controls and documented procedures
- Lead, support and develop the finance and administration team
- Allocate responsibilities, monitor deadlines and drive accountability across the team
- Oversee the complete monthly payroll process and related reconciliations and submissions
- Ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE, EMP201, EMP501, IRP5, provisional tax, COID and CIPC requirements
- Maintain an effective compliance calendar across all Group entities
- Support corporate governance processes, including company records, resolutions, beneficial ownership declarations and company amendments
- Prepare Board packs, financial reports, presentations and supporting schedules for Directors
- Provide reliable financial and operational information to support executive decision‑making
- Coordinate outsourced IT providers, Microsoft 365 administration, technology assets and IT‑related projects
- Support system implementations, cloud migration, automation and business‑system improvements
- Oversee office facilities, maintenance, rental properties, leases, suppliers and service providers
- Manage the Group's insurance portfolio, renewals, claims and relationships with brokers
- Manage banking relationships and support banking facilities and access requirements
- Lead or coordinate finance, operational and technology‑related projects
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce manual administration and strengthen operational efficiency
- Provide practical support to the Directors on business, strategic and operational initiatives
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with a high level of maturity and discretion
What You Bring
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance or Financial Management
- A completed accounting qualification or professional designation would be advantageous
- Approximately 7–10 years' relevant financial management experience
- At least 3 years' experience managing or supervising a finance or administration team
- Experience overseeing the full accounting function across multiple companies or legal entities
- Strong practical knowledge of South African payroll, tax and statutory compliance requirements
- Hands‑on experience with VAT, PAYE, EMP201, EMP501, IRP5, provisional tax, COID and CIPC submissions
- Experience preparing management reports and supporting annual financial statements and external audits
- Advanced Microsoft Excel capability
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and accounting and payroll systems
- Experience in labour solutions, staffing, professional services or a multi-entity business would be advantageous
- Exposure to IT provider coordination, facilities, insurance or broader business support functions would be beneficial
- Strong financial and commercial judgement with excellent attention to detail
- Confident people‑management and team‑development capability
- Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills
- A practical, hands‑on approach to problem‑solving and process improvement
- The ability to communicate effectively with Directors, employees, auditors, clients and service providers
- A high level of accountability, discretion and confidentiality
- The ability to work across multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a fast‑moving environment
What Success Looks Like
- Accurate and timely monthly financial reporting across all relevant entities
- Payroll and statutory submissions consistently completed accurately and within deadlines
- High‑quality financial records, reconciliations and audit preparation
- Improved cash‑flow visibility, working capital management and financial controls
- A well‑managed, accountable and effective finance and administration team
- Successful coordination of audits, compliance reviews and B-BBEE verification processes
- Reliable IT, administrative, facilities and operational support across the business
- Documented processes that improve consistency, governance and accountability
- Measurable improvements in efficiency through systems, technology and automation
- Responsive, high‑quality financial and operational support to the Directors
- A finance and operations function that provides the structure and visibility required to support sustainable business growth