Financial Manager

Guardian Recruiting (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Recruiting (Pty) Ltd partners with a forward-thinking engineering organization to appoint a seasoned Financial Manager in Cape Town. You will lead the finance team, shape strategic financial direction, and drive growth through robust governance and data-driven insight.

The role oversees budgeting, forecasting, tax compliance, ERP systems and AI-enabled reporting, focusing on optimization, cost control and value creation across the business.

Qualifications

• CA(SA) newly qualified or eligible for registration or equivalent articles
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Commerce or related field with finance experience
• 0–5 years' post-articles or post-qualification experience in accounting/finance roles
• Experience preparing management accounts, financial statements, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis
• Exposure to audit processes, taxation, statutory compliance, and financial controls
• Experience in engineering/consulting/project-based/manufacturing/tech environments
• Exposure to project costing, job costing, contract profitability analysis or cost management
• Exposure to foreign exchange transactions or multi-entity reporting
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel
• Ability to analyse financial information and support business decisions
• South African Citizenship

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial guidance to executive leadership
• Develop and execute financial strategies supporting growth, profitability and efficiency
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning and long-term financial planning
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts and financial performance reports
• Monitor revenue, profitability, margins, cash flow, working capital and KPIs
• Develop financial models for pricing, resource planning and decision making
• Establish and maintain financial controls, governance and risk management
• Manage month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing, audits and statutory reporting
• Oversee tax compliance including VAT, PAYE and income tax
• Manage banking relationships, treasury activities, liquidity planning and FX exposure
• Support project costing, pricing, contract reviews, margin analysis and commercial decisions
• Drive finance system improvements, reporting automation and AI-enabled tech
• Ensure integration of finance, payroll, procurement, project management and reporting systems
• Develop, mentor and lead the finance team to high performance
• Promote financial discipline, transparency and continuous improvement

Skills

Financial analysis

Strategic planning

Leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Excel

Decision making

Education

CA(SA) newly qualified or eligible for registration

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

0–5 years post-articles experience

Experience preparing management accounts and financial statements

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Join a forward‑thinking engineering organization known for its innovative approach, collaborative culture, and commitment to operational excellence. Our client, a dynamic company, is seeking a seasoned Financial Manager to lead their finance team and contribute to strategic growth in a role that offers both challenge and opportunity.

This is your chance to be part of a company that values transparency, continuous improvement, and the integration of cutting‑edge digital tools to enhance financial processes.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial guidance to executive leadership.
• Develop and execute financial strategies supporting company growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee annual budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow planning, and long‑term financial strategies.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts and financial performance reports.
• Monitor revenue, profitability, margins, cash flow, working capital, and key business indicators.
• Develop financial models to support pricing, resource planning, and strategic decision‑making.
• Establish and maintain effective financial controls, governance, and risk management frameworks.
• Manage month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end closing, audits, and statutory reporting.
• Oversee tax compliance including VAT, PAYE, income tax, and other regulatory obligations.
• Manage banking relationships, treasury activities, liquidity planning, and foreign exchange exposure.
• Support project costing, pricing, contract reviews, margin analysis, and commercial decisions.
• Drive finance system improvements, reporting automation, and process optimization through AI‑enabled technologies.
• Ensure the integration of finance, payroll, procurement, project management, and reporting systems.
• Develop, mentor, and lead the finance team to high performance and accountability.
• Promote a culture of financial discipline, transparency, and continuous operational improvement.

Requirements:

• CA(SA) newly qualified or eligible for registration, or completion of SAICA, SAIPA, or equivalent professional articles
• Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field, coupled with relevant finance experience
• 0–5 years' post-articles or post-qualification experience in accounting, audit, financial reporting, or finance‑related roles
• Experience preparing management accounts, financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and financial analysis preferred
• Exposure to audit processes, taxation, statutory compliance, and financial controls preferred
• Previous experience in an engineering, consulting, project‑based, manufacturing, automotive, or technology environment would be advantageous
• Exposure to project accounting, job costing, contract profitability analysis, or cost management principles would be advantageous
• Exposure to foreign exchange transactions, international customers, or multi‑entity reporting environments would be advantageous
• Experience working with ERP systems, accounting software, financial reporting tools, and advanced Microsoft Excel preferred
• Demonstrated ability to analyse financial information, identify trends, and support business decision‑making
• South African Citizenship

Familiarity with the following:

• AI‑enabled financial reporting tools.
• Financial governance and risk management frameworks.
• Digital transformation in finance.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in a progressive organization that values innovation and growth.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge financial technologies.
• Supportive leadership and a culture focused on professional development.
• An environment that promotes operational excellence and continuous improvement.