Finance Manager: Operations

Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) Proprietary Limited (FEM); Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm based in South Africa is seeking a Finance Manager: Operations to oversee the financial function, ensuring compliance and efficiency. The successful candidate will manage various financial activities, such as reporting, reconciliations, and audit management. Key requirements include a BCom Accounting or CA(SA) with extensive experience in finance, proficiency in ERP systems, and strong leadership skills. In return, the firm offers competitive remuneration and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive total cost to company remuneration

Good benefits

Qualifications

• More than 7 years Finance experience or 4 years post-articles experience.
• Strong understanding of IFRS and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in automation and process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee bank payment releases and ensure compliance.
• Prepare monthly management reports with variance analysis.
• Lead and mentor the operational finance team.

Skills

Strong understanding of accounting principles

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Knowledge of internal controls

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Education

BCom Accounting with Honours

CA(SA)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Sage

SAP

Pastel

Job description

FEM is seeking a highly skilled Finance Manager: Operations to lead and manage the Operational finance function. The successful candidate will ensure the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of all operational financial activities, financial controls, reconciliations, reporting, system improvements, and audit management. The activities relate to both claims and premium processes within the Operational Finance Department.

This role is critical in safeguarding financial integrity, supporting regulatory compliance, driving continuous improvement, and providing strong leadership within the finance team.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Overseeing, reviewing, and approving bank payment releases with strict adherence to internal controls.
• Preparing and reviewing monthly journals, trial balance reconciliations, and other month-end processing.
• Preparing and reviewing Income Statement and Balance Sheet reconciliations.
• Preparing monthly management reports with variance analysis and commentary.
• Preparing and reviewing quarterly statutory and regulatory reports.
• Liaise with IT on system fixes, enhancements, and process automation.
• Coordinate internal and external audit requests and close audit findings timeously.
• Reviewing and verifying operational approvals in line with SOPs, legislation, and internal controls.
• Preparing and reviewing the Operational budget and assessing actual financial results to budget.
• Leading, developing, and mentoring the operational finance team to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Supporting other projects payments-related assessments.

Education Requirements:

• BCom Accounting (or equivalent) with Honours and more than 7 years Finance experience, or
• CA(SA) with at least 4 years post-articles experience

Other Requirements:

• Strong understanding of accounting principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Knowledge of internal controls, and financial reporting
• Experience in a financial services or insurance industry
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (Sage, SAP, Pastel, etc.)
• Working knowledge of IFRS and regulatory frameworks
• Experience in automation and process improvement initiatives

Key Competencies:

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Leadership and team development capability
• Strong organisational and planning abilities
• Ethical, accountable, and committed to governance excellence
• Previous management experience will be advantageous

We have offices regionally in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. The Operational Finance team is based in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

In exchange for the candidate’s successful services, FEM offers a competitive total cost to company remuneration with good benefits.

Candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV by close of business on 25 January 2026.

Applications may not be considered if the minimum criteria of the position are not met.

People with disabilities are welcome to apply. FEM promotes the principles of Employment Equity and the appointment of this candidate is at FEM's sole discretion.