Financial Manager

Smith Garb and Associates CC; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent FMCG company in Midrand seeks a Financial Manager to oversee the finance function, engage with operations, and support a dynamic leadership team. The role demands strong Excel skills, substantial finance experience, and the ability to navigate a hands-on business environment. Responsibilities include managing accounts, ensuring statutory compliance, and driving process improvements. Candidates should have at least a BCom in Finance and proven SAP ERP experience.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ finance experience, with 5 years managing people.
• Proven ability in a lean, operational environment.
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or project-based environments.

Responsibilities

• Full monthly management accounts with meaningful variance analysis.
• Cash flow management in a working-capital-intensive environment.
• Balancing financial integrity with statutory compliance.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Financial modelling capability

Commercial acumen

SAP ERP experience

Education

BCom Accounting / Finance (CA(SA) preferred)

Job description

Financial Manager

The opportunity. This is not a back‑office, tick‑the‑box finance role.

Our client is a mid‑sized, fast‑moving FMCG player in the lighting & electrical space, operating locally and regionally. The environment is lean, commercial, and hands‑on — perfect for a Financial Manager who enjoys being in the business, not just reporting on it. You’ll work closely with the Finance Director, operations, and sales, taking full ownership of the finance function while supporting a commercially driven leadership team.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Full monthly management accounts with meaningful variance analysis
• Cash flow management in a working‑capital‑intensive environment
• Balance sheet control, reconciliations, and integrity
• Statutory compliance (tax, VAT, audit support)
• Group / holding company reporting and legal accounting requirements
• Driving process improvements and strengthening internal controls
• Oversight of AR, AP, inventory, and the broader finance team
• Forex dealings and South African Reserve Bank approvals
• Reviewing and managing payroll

What we’re looking for

You’re commercially minded, confident, and comfortable rolling up your sleeves.

Essential experience:

• BCom Accounting / Finance (CA(SA) or similar preferred, not essential)
• ±10 years’ finance experience, with at least 5 years managing people
• Strong Excel skills and financial modelling capability
• Proven SAP ERP experience
• Solid commercial acumen — you can partner operations and sales, not just report to them
• Comfortable in a lean, hands‑on, operational environment

The ideal profile

• Stable career history
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or project‑based environments
• Independent, accountable, and ownership‑driven
• Able to translate finance into clear insights for non‑finance stakeholders
• Confident communicator across cross‑functional teams