Finance Manager (Manufacturing)

Smith Garb; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Garb in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the financial management and reporting for a manufacturing operation. You will oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and treasury activities, while developing the finance team and ensuring IFRS for SMEs compliance.

The role requires 3–5 years in a similar finance management position within manufacturing, plus hands-on costing, inventory analysis, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• B.Com Accounting degree or equivalent Commerce qualification.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar Finance Manager / financial management role.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Previous people management experience is essential.
• Strong financial management and management accounting experience.
• Practical experience with manufacturing costing, inventory and production cost analysis.

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.

Skills

Financial analysis

Excel skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Decision making

Time management

Education

B.Com Accounting degree

SAICA/SAIPA/CIMA in progress

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

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.

Minimum 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.
• Previous people management experience 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.