Finance Manager (Manufacturing)

Smith Garb And Associates Cc; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Garb And Associates Cc, a manufacturing-focused organisation, seeks a Finance Manager to own the financial management function and deliver actionable insights for operations and strategy. The role covers budgeting, forecasting, costing, inventory controls and financial reporting, with hands-on leadership of the finance team to drive performance and compliance.

You will liaise with auditors, steer treasury activities and optimise manufacturing cost analysis, ensuring IFRS for SMEs alignment

Qualifications

• B.Com Accounting degree or commerce qualification.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a Finance Manager/financial management role.
• Manufacturing environment experience is essential.
• Strong Excel and accounting software skills.
• SAICA, CIMA or SAIPA registration, or progress towards registration, advantageous.
• Operational, analytical, and communication skills with high accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of financial management and reporting function.
• Oversee monthly management accounting, reporting and analysis against budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and business planning inputs.
• Manage cash-flow forecasting, bank reconciliations and treasury activities.
• Oversee general ledger and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Maintain inventory records, including WIP and finished goods.
• Provide financial guidance to operational teams and support capital decisions.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors.
• Contribute to cost control and continuous improvement in finance processes.
• Lead and develop the finance team.

Skills

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

B.Com Accounting

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Join a dynamic manufacturing environment and take ownership of the finance function.

Our client, a well-established organisation within the manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to take responsibility for the financial management function and provide meaningful financial insight to support operational and strategic decision-making.
This is a hands-on role suited to a commercially minded finance professional who understands the realities of a manufacturing environment and can confidently work across financial reporting, costing, inventory, budgeting, forecasting and financial controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the financial management and reporting function.
• Oversee monthly management accounting, reporting and analysis against budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and business planning inputs.
• Manage cash-flow forecasting, bank reconciliations and treasury activities.
• Oversee general ledger and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Manage VAT and other tax requirements, including preparation of the income tax pack.
• Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure accurate reconciliations.
• Manage and continuously improve financial controls, processes and reporting.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors and coordinate audit requirements.
• Provide financial guidance and insight to operational teams.
• Oversee product costing, variance analysis and manufacturing overhead recovery rates.
• Analyse production efficiency and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Ensure the integrity of inventory records, including work-in-progress and finished goods.
• Provide financial analysis to support capital investment and make-or-buy decisions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and the streamlining of finance-related processes.
• Manage, develop and provide direction to the finance team.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, IFRS for SMEs and internal business requirements.
• B.Com Accounting degree or equivalent Commerce qualification.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a similar Finance Manager / financial management role.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Strong financial management and management accounting experience.
• Solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost control and financial analysis.
• Practical experience with manufacturing costing, inventory and production cost analysis.
• Strong Excel and accounting software skills.
• SAICA, CIMA or SAIPA registration, or progress towards registration, will be advantageous.
• Hands-on, operational approach with strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• High level of accuracy, integrity and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and make sound decisions.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a suitably qualified finance professional to join a manufacturing business where finance plays a key role in operational performance, cost management, business planning and profitability.
Location: Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
Sector: Manufacturing
Position: Finance Manager
Only candidates with relevant manufacturing experience will be considered.