Financial Manager

Sabenza IT & Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Cape Town seeks a skilled Financial Manager to oversee financial operations and reporting. This role involves managing the finance team, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, and providing insightful analysis to support business strategy. Candidates should have a CA(SA) or CIMA qualification and at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within the manufacturing or retail sectors. Strong analytical and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Financial Manager leading a finance team.
• Import/export experience advantageous.
• Knowledge of South African Companies Act and tax regulations required.

Responsibilities

• Manage internal and external financial information and reporting processes.
• Lead the finance team to deliver objectives effectively.
• Design and implement internal controls.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting compliance

Team leadership

Advanced MS Excel

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

CA(SA)

CIMA

Tools

ERP systems

IFRS for SMEs

Job description

Role Purpose:

To manage internal (business) and external (statutory) financial information and reporting processes supporting the CFO by providing accurate, timely and relevant financial insights to enable decision-making. To manage payment cycles to optimise cash flow and maintain a strong control environment.

Key Accountabilities (Hats You May Wear)

• Financial Navigator: Accurate reporting, budgeting compliance.
• Strategic Maestro: Insightful analysis to support business strategy.
• Team Captain: Lead, inspire and develop the finance team.
• Guardian of Integrity: Build and maintain robust internal controls.
• Cash Flow Conductor: Manage, monitor and forecast cash flow.
• Compliance Guru: Ensure statutory compliance (tax, Companies Act etc.).
• Project Dynamo: Provide financial expertise in technology development projects.
• Change Champion: Drive continuous improvement across finance processes and controls.

Functional Duties and Responsibilities (KPIs & Expectations)

A) Financial Operations Management

Internal Controls

• Design, implement and monitor internal controls.
• Identify cost‑saving and efficiency opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvements in the finance control environment.
• Align controls and processes to support growth in a changing environment.
• Review payroll data.

Daily Financial Operations

• Manage day‑to‑day financial operations.
• Ensure accurate, timely financial statements aligned to standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and monitoring.
• Review and authorise local and global payments.
• Manage fixed asset process from initiation to reporting including CAPEX processes and the fixed asset register.

Financial Reporting

• Review monthly interim and year‑end internal and external reporting.
• Manage statutory reporting including liaising with auditors and managing the signing process.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including the Companies Act and relevant tax regulations.

Budgeting and Analysis

• Manage the annual budgeting process end‑to‑end.
• Monitor spend and revenue to ensure targets are achieved.
• Provide analysis and insights to support decision‑making.

Performance Expectations

• Financial statements are 100% accurate and compliant with relevant standards and regulations.
• Monthly interim and year‑end reporting completed within deadlines.
• Optimal cash flow maintained with no shortfalls impacting operations.
• Identify and implement process improvements annually to enhance control and reporting efficiency.

Team Leadership

• Supervise accounting, budgeting and reporting functions.
• Lead the team to deliver objectives effectively.
• Evaluate team performance and productivity.
• Implement people policies and practices consistently.

Individual Development

• Coach and mentor direct reports for growth and succession.
• Enable skills development and empowerment across the team.

Performance Expectations

• High employee engagement supported by regular reviews and meaningful feedback.

Strategic Contributions

• Collaborate cross‑functionally to align financial goals with business objectives.
• Provide financial insight for strategic initiatives and key projects.
• Act as an approver/finance expert for technology development projects.
• Support delivery of long‑term objectives and goals.
• Demonstrate and embed the company vision, values and culture.

Performance Expectations

• Financial expertise successfully integrated into technology development projects meeting timelines and budget constraints.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications (preferred)

• CA(SA) preferred
• CIMA

Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Financial Manager leading a finance team (manufacturing or retail preferred).
• Import/export experience advantageous.
• Exposure to sub‑Saharan African markets advantageous.

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Advanced MS Excel.
• Strong capability across MS Office / Google Suite.
• IFRS for SMEs.
• ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of South African Companies Act and tax regulations (minimum requirement).

Leadership Skills (Level 3 Leader of Managers/Leaders)

• Sets boundaries; assertive when needed.
• Strong performance management; builds effective teams.
• Gives/receives feedback; drives candid growth‑focused conversations.
• High self‑awareness; uses personal power responsibly.
• Maintains discipline; firm fair consistent.
• Courage to challenge the status quo and remove barriers.
• Resilience under pressure and through setbacks.
• Builds strong relationships; fosters collaboration.
• Coaches/mentors; holds people accountable while developing capability.
• Scans trends; stays curious and forward‑thinking.
• Proactive; improves processes for productivity and results.
• Decisive under pressure; prioritises and allocates resources effectively.
• Communicates complex information clearly to internal/external stakeholders.

Job‑Specific Skills

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Extremely detail‑oriented; solution‑focused.
• Strong interpersonal skills; engages at all levels.
• Proactive results‑driven; meets tight reporting deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management.

Core Competencies (Technical/Behavioural)

• Essential: Examining Information; Interpreting Data; Making Decisions; Meeting Timescales; Following Procedures; Team Working; Upholding Standards; Developing Strategies.
• Important: Providing Insights; Checking Things; Documenting Facts; Developing Expertise; Valuing Individuals; Managing Tasks; Challenging Ideas; Taking Action; Producing Output; Empowering Individuals; Pursuing Goals; Adopting Practical Approaches.