Finance Manager Operations (Costing)

Smith Garb and Associates CC; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance and management consultancy in Gauteng is looking for a Finance Manager specializing in Cost and Management Accounting. This role involves managing costs, creating financial models, and partnering with various departments to enhance financial performance. Ideal candidates will have a background in heavy industry and strong ERP system knowledge. Competitive salary offerings are available.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in a senior financial or cost management role.
• Strong experience in manufacturing, especially heavy industry.
• Deep understanding of complex production processes and cost structures.

Responsibilities

• Manage overhead costs and standard costing.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for direct costs.
• Support working capital improvement recommendations.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Financial modelling

Budgeting and forecasting

SAP proficiency

Communication of financial concepts

Education

BCom Honours in Management Accounting

CIMA / CA / ACCA

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

Finance Manager : Operations (Cost & Management Accounting)

Location: Alrode / Wadeville

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Manager – Operations (Cost & Management) plays a key role in keeping the business financially sharp and operationally efficient. You’ll work across manufacturing, service, engineering, and supply chain, acting as a trusted business partner to both local and regional teams. Your job is to make sure the numbers tell the truth, guide decisions, and support the bigger strategy through solid financial insight and modelling.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Costing & Operational Finance

• Own and manage overhead costs , standard costing, monthly hours, and hourly rate accuracy.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for all direct costs and logistics.
• Run product costing reviews across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Track, explain, and challenge PPV (purchase price variance) and production variances .

Inventory, Supply Chain & Working Capital

• Analyse manufacturing and supply chain data to spot trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner with planning teams on SLOB (slow-moving and obsolete) inventory provisions.
• Support working capital improvement through practical, data-backed recommendations.
• Maintain product master data and manage SAP condition tables .

Business Partnering

• Work closely with operations, supply chain, engineering, and section leaders to help them understand costs, budgets, and financial impacts.
• Partner with sales on pricing decisions, margin analysis, and customer profitability.
• Support engineering and operations with cost-efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.

Financial Modelling & CAPEX

• Build and support financial models, business cases, and CAPEX evaluations .
• Prepare clear insights and reporting for senior leadership and auditors.

Safety & Compliance

• Actively drive and reinforce a zero-harm safety culture .
• Ensure compliance with all group and divisional financial policies.

What You Bring

• BCom Honours in Management Accounting
• CIMA / CA / ACCA
• 5–8 years in a senior financial or cost management role
• Strong experience in manufacturing , especially heavy industry (steel, foundry, engineering, or similar)
• Deep understanding of complex production processes and cost structures
• Proficient with ERP systems (SAP a plus) and advanced Excel / Office
• Strong analytical, variance analysis, and modelling skills
• Comfortable explaining financial concepts to non-finance teams
• Confident engaging with auditors and regional finance leaders

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, well-managed budgeting and cost structures
• Operations teams understand their numbers and use them effectively
• Product costing is consistent, reliable, and meaningful
• Inventory risks are flagged early and managed proactively
• Strong relationships built with section leaders, auditors, and regional finance teams
• A visible impact on cost savings, efficiency, and overall financial performance