Financial Manager (Agriculture)

Babylonstoren; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural firm in South Africa seeks a Financial Manager for Agriculture to oversee financial operations, budgeting, and strategic insights. The ideal candidate has a CA(SA) qualification and 5-7 years of experience within agriculture. Responsibilities include financial planning, compliance, and team leadership, ensuring productivity and profitability through effective financial management and controls. This role is critical in supporting operational efficiency across the agricultural portfolio.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years’ financial management experience, preferably in agriculture.
• Proven experience in budgeting and financial analysis.
• Meticulous attention to detail in financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage annual budgets and forecasts for agricultural operations.
• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide financial insights for production planning.

Skills

Chartered Accountant CA(SA) qualification

Financial management experience

Budgeting and forecasting

Proficiency in ERP systems

Advanced Microsoft Office skills

Analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Education

Chartered Accountant CA(SA)

Tools

NetSuite

Sage X3

SAP

Job description

The Financial Manager for Agriculture will oversee all financial aspects of Babylonstoren’s farming operations, including planning, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and control. This role ensures the financial integrity of production-related decisions, supports operational efficiency, and drives profitability across the estate’s agricultural portfolio.

In addition to core financial responsibilities, the Financial Manager provides commercial and strategic support to the Head of Agriculture by delivering actionable financial insights and support for decision-making processes. The role will also ensure strict compliance with financial regulations, while continuously improving processes and controls to support sustainable growth.

Requirements

• Chartered Accountant CA(SA) qualification (essential).
• Minimum of 5–7 years’ financial management experience, with at least three years in an agricultural or production environment.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis with a commercial focus.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Sage X3, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong analytical mindset, with meticulous attention to detail and proven accuracy in financial reporting.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the agricultural industry dynamics and financial drivers.
• Preference will be given to affirmative action candidates.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning, Analysis & Strategic Management

• Prepare and oversee annual budgets and forecasts for agricultural operations.
• Conduct variance analysis between budgeted and actual performance, investigating root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Provide financial insights to support production planning and capital expenditure.
• Develop and manage competitive, profit-focused pricing strategies.
• Ensure pricing accuracy and maintain pricing controls.

Financial Management & Control

• Manage cash flow and ensure adequate liquidity for operations.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and optimise working capital.
• Monitor receivables, payables, and inventory to improve cash cycles.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial reports, with strict adherence to month-end close deadlines and compliance with internal and external stakeholder requirements.
• Design, implement, and update internal control systems.
• Train staff on control procedures and monitor compliance.

Operational Support

• Liaise with agricultural managers to provide financial insights that improve productivity and profitability.
• Support decision-making for new crops, land use, and mechanisation projects.
• Support capital expenditure evaluations and post-implementation reviews of projects in line with strategic goals.
• Monitor ROI and performance of key investments.

Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor finance staff allocated to the agriculture unit.
• Implement best practices and innovative solutions across teams.
• Promote a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.