Financial Analyst - FMCG

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Fully remote work

Growth opportunities

Exposure to strategic finance

Health & retirement benefits

Annual bonuses & leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Financial Analyst for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will deliver financial insights, build models, and support budgeting and forecasting across multiple FMCG units. Collaboration with finance, sales, and operations will drive profitability and strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in financial analysis, strong Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, macros), and familiarity with SAP or Oracle. CFA/CA(SA) is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related quantitative field.
• Professional qualification (CFA or CA(SA) is an advantage).
• 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, preferably FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis, including variance and profitability analysis.
• Develop and maintain financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Prepare regular financial reports and presentations for senior management.
• Support the annual budgeting process with department heads.
• Analyze sales data, costs, and market trends to identify opportunities.
• Assist in investment opportunity evaluations, including due diligence.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and reporting systems.
• Monitor key financial metrics and flag risks to plans.
• Collaborate with accounting to ensure proper record-keeping.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related quantitative field

CFA / CA(SA) professional qualification (advantage)

Tools

Pivot Tables

VLOOKUPs

Macros

SAP

Oracle

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading entity in the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Financial Analyst to join their team. This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility to work from home while contributing to the financial health of the organization. You will be responsible for providing crucial financial insights, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial analysis, modeling, and forecasting, preferably within the fast-paced FMCG industry. You will work closely with various departments, including finance, sales, and operations, to analyze financial performance, identify trends, and develop recommendations for improvement. This role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a dynamic environment with exposure to key business functions. We are looking for a proactive individual with excellent quantitative skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely. Your contribution will be vital in guiding the company's financial strategy and ensuring its continued profitability and growth. The focus will be on delivering actionable financial intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend analysis, and profitability analysis for various FMCG business units.
• Develop and maintain financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Prepare regular financial reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key financial performance indicators and insights.
• Support the annual budgeting process, working with department heads to establish financial targets and track performance against budget.
• Analyze sales data, cost structures, and market trends to identify opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost reduction.
• Assist in the evaluation of investment opportunities, mergers, and acquisitions, providing financial due diligence.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data and reporting systems.
• Monitor key financial metrics and provide early warnings of potential risks or deviations from financial plans.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to ensure proper financial record-keeping and compliance.
• Stay up-to-date with financial regulations, industry best practices, and economic trends relevant to the FMCG sector .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• A professional qualification (e.g., CFA, CA(SA)) is a significant advantage.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, or a similar role, preferably within the FMCG industry .
• Proven experience in financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in financial software, advanced MS Excel skills (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, macros), and experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Proactive approach to identifying financial trends and developing recommendations.
• Understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely in South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement in finance.
• Exposure to strategic financial decision-making within a leading FMCG company.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Annual performance bonuses and leave.