Finance Manager - PE

Headhunters; Port Alfred; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters is seeking an experienced Finance Manager for a manufacturing/production environment in Port Alfred, SA. You will lead the full financial function, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, with a focus on costing and profitability across products and projects.

The role requires extensive leadership of finance teams, strong liaison with auditors and stakeholders, and delivery of timely, accurate financial insights to drive strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CA(SA), CIMA or SAIPA advantageous.
• 7–10 years in a finance management role in manufacturing/production.
• Strong costing, budgeting and profitability analysis knowledge.
• Knowledge of SA taxation, Companies Act and IFRS (including SMEs).
• Advanced Excel and MS Office; ERP systems experience.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management.
• Experience in inventory management and working capital optimisation.
• Experience managing finance teams and liaising with external auditors.

Responsibilities

• Manage full financial function of the business.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and management accounts.
• Prepare annual financial statements and schedules.
• Ensure general ledger integrity and accurate records.
• Provide financial commentary and insights to senior management.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and procedures.
• Liaise with auditors, banks and other stakeholders.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning.
• Coordinate capital expenditure evaluations and business initiatives.
• Monitor inventory accounting and working capital management.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Cash flow management

Team leadership

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Professional qualification (CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA) advantageous

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Financial management software

Job description

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• A professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA or equivalent will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 7–10 years' experience in a finance management role within a manufacturing, engineering, industrial or production environment.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting, including product costing, cost absorption and profitability analysis.
• Knowledge of South African taxation, statutory requirements, the Companies Act and applicable IFRS standards, including IFRS for SMEs.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial management software.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and cash flow management.
• Experience in inventory management, stock control, working capital optimisation and manufacturing costing.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Experience liaising with external auditors, SARS, banks and other relevant stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Reporting

• Manage and oversee the full financial function of the business.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
• Prepare annual financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
• Analyse financial results and provide meaningful commentary on business performance.
• Present financial reports, insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Develop, implement and maintain effective financial controls and procedures.
• Liaise with external auditors, bankers, insurers and other stakeholders.
• Ensure financial records comply with applicable accounting standards.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Planning

• Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare and maintain rolling financial forecasts.
• Develop, monitor and review departmental budgets.
• Prepare detailed cash flow forecasts and financial projections.
• Conduct variance analysis against budgets and forecasts, recommending corrective action where necessary.
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic decision‑making.
• Monitor key financial performance indicators and report on financial performance.
• Support management in evaluating capital expenditure, investment opportunities and business initiatives.

Manufacturing Costing and Profitability Management

• Develop and maintain accurate manufacturing and product costing models.
• Analyse direct labour, material and overhead costs.
• Monitor standard costing, cost absorption and manufacturing cost methodologies.
• Review manufacturing efficiencies and investigate cost variances.
• Monitor scrap, waste and rework costs and recommend cost‑saving initiatives.
• Conduct profitability analysis by product, project, customer and business unit.
• Support pricing strategies and review quotations to ensure appropriate margins.
• Partner with operational teams to improve productivity, cost efficiencies and profitability.
• Ensure accurate valuation of work‑in‑progress (WIP), raw materials and finished goods.

Inventory and Supply Chain Financial Control

• Oversee inventory accounting, valuation and reporting processes.
• Monitor inventory levels and associated working capital requirements.
• Participate in stock counts and cycle counts.
• Investigate stock variances and implement appropriate corrective measures.
• Maintain strong financial controls over inventory movements and transactions.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to optimise inventory management.
• Monitor slow‑moving and obsolete inventory and recommend appropriate action.
• Ensure accurate reporting of inventory and manufacturing‑related costs.

Cash Flow and Working Capital Management

• Manage daily cash flow requirements and liquidity.
• Monitor debtor collections and creditor payment cycles.
• Implement strategies to improve working capital performance.
• Manage banking relationships and banking facilities.
• Review and approve payment runs and treasury activities.
• Identify cash flow risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure sufficient liquidity to support ongoing operational requirements.

Compliance, Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and company policies.
• Oversee VAT, PAYE, income tax and other statutory obligations.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of statutory returns.
• Maintain effective internal controls and financial governance practices.
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• Coordinate internal and external audits and address audit findings.
• Identify, assess and manage financial risks.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS for SMEs and other applicable accounting standards.
• Develop, implement and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations and intercompany account postings.
• Investigate and report financial discrepancies across entities.
• Maintain accurate statutory and administrative documentation in accordance with applicable legislation and record‑retention requirements.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, including Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
• Set performance objectives, monitor performance and conduct performance reviews.
• Promote accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement within the finance function.
• Support succession planning, skills development and ongoing professional growth.
• Drive process efficiencies and improvements to finance systems and reporting.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across all departments.
• Provide proactive financial support and insight to senior management to facilitate informed business decisions.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and ensure all deliverables are completed accurately and within required deadlines.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement practical, innovative financial management solutions.
• Maintain ongoing professional development and keep abreast of changes in South African financial, tax and governance legislation.
• Perform other related duties as reasonably required by the line manager.

Please note that if you do not receive a response within 2 weeks, your application has been unsuccessful.