Financial Manager

Pangea Professional Services; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Pangea Professional Services in Sandton is seeking a Financial Manager to lead the full finance function, ensure accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance while shaping the organisation's long-term financial direction.

You will manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, project profitability, audits, and governance. The role includes systems and process improvements, payroll oversight, supplier payments, and developing a high-performing finance team.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of progressive finance/accounting experience in SMEs or mid-sized orgs.
• Experience designing and implementing internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure IFRS/local compliance.
• Hands-on experience with ERP integration and automating reconciliations.
• Experience supporting strategic decision-making with timely financial insights.
• Experience in audit preparation and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial insight to support the organisation.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting and board packs.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management processes.
• Manage project budgets, revenue recognition, and project profitability.
• Ensure statutory compliance, audits, VAT, PAYE, and tax reporting.
• Coach and develop the Finance team and oversee payroll and AP/AR processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation of finance processes.

Skills

Financial leadership

Accounting & reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Cash flow management

Project finance

Compliance & tax

Team leadership

Systems & controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

MBA / MSc Finance / MCom / Postgrad Diploma

Certifications: CPA/CA/CIMA/CFA/ACCA/CMA

Tools

Sage

QuickBooks

SAP Business One

Job description

Purpose of Position

The Financial Manager is responsible for leading and managing the full finance function of the organisation, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and effective financial planning. Operating within a project-based SME environment, the role ensures financial sustainability by providing strategic insights, overseeing project financial performance, and supporting executive decision‑making. This role is both strategic and hands‑on, suitable for a leader comfortable managing detail while guiding the long‑term financial direction of a growing business.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Strategy Lead the finance function and provide financial insight to support organisational strategy. Advise the executive team on financial opportunities, risks, and business performance. Drive financial process optimisation and implement best‑practice financial controls. Oversee the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Financial Accounting & Reporting Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting. Review and approve management accounts, reconciliations, and financial statements. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards. Prepare consolidated financial reports and board‑level reporting packs.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow Management Lead annual budgeting and financial planning cycles. Prepare rolling forecasts and scenario planning to support operational decision‑making. Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity, ensuring proactive risk management. Provide project profitability and cost‑to‑complete analysis.
• Project Finance Management (Project‑Based Business) Develop project budgets and track financial performance per project. Ensure accurate revenue recognition aligned with project milestones. Monitor project costs, margins, and financial risks. Support project managers with financial insights and variance analysis.
• Compliance, Audit & Tax Ensure statutory compliance (Companies Act, Tax Act, VAT Act, etc.). Oversee external audits and manage relationships with auditors. Ensure timely submission of tax returns, VAT, PAYE, and statutory reports. Implement controls to mitigate financial and fraud risks.
• Team Leadership & Operational Management Manage, coach, and develop the Finance Resources. Establish KPIs and ensure accountability within the finance team. Oversee payroll accuracy and compliance (processed by the Finance Administrator). Ensure efficient AP, AR, invoicing, and credit control processes.
• Systems, Controls & Process Improvement Oversee financial systems (ERP/Accounting software). Strengthen internal controls across the finance cycle. Drive continuous improvement and automation of finance processes.

Education

Minimum Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration. Solid grounding in financial principles, reporting standards, and business management. Preferred Postgraduate qualification such as MBA, MSc Finance, MCom Accounting, or Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management. Specialized study in areas like corporate finance, risk management, or strategic management. Strong understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and local regulatory frameworks. Exposure to business law, taxation, and corporate governance through formal study.

Certifications (Preferred)

It will be advantageous if the candidate holds at least one of the following professional certifications:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CA (Chartered Accountant)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

Added Advantage Multiple certifications or advanced levels (e.g., CFA Level II/III, CA + MBA). Continuous professional development courses in taxation, risk management, or corporate governance.

Experience

5-8 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, ideally with exposure to SMEs or mid-sized organizations. Proven ability to manage end‑to‑end finance functions including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and statutory compliance. Experience in designing and implementing internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with IFRS and local regulations. Track record of process improvement initiatives, such as streamlining reporting cycles, automating reconciliations, or improving cash flow management. Hands‑on experience with financial systems integration (ERP, accounting software like Sage, QuickBooks, or SAP Business One). Prior involvement in audit preparation and risk management, ensuring readiness for external reviews. Demonstrated ability to support strategic decision‑making by providing accurate, timely financial insights to leadership.

Skills & Attributes

Technical Skills: Financial Reporting & Analysis: Strong ability to prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and