Financial Manager - National Chicks

Pietermaritzburg

On-site

ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

National Chicks in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a commercially astute Financial Manager to lead finance across breeder and broiler operations. The role partners with operations and executive leadership to drive profitability, governance and long‑term growth.

The ideal candidate will bring CA(SA) or CIMA qualifications, 5–10 years of financial leadership, and strong experience in agricultural or FMCG settings. A hands‑on partner who can bridge finance and production is essential.

Qualifications

CA(SA) or CIMA qualification is essential.
5–10 years of relevant financial management experience.
Experience in poultry production or similar animal background is preferred.
Experience in agricultural and FMCG environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the complete finance function across poultry and agricultural operations.
Deliver accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting.
Drive budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial planning processes.
Provide financial analysis and commercial insights to support business decisions.
Manage financial reporting for breeder and broiler production operations.
Monitor costs, biomass assets, depreciation, debtors and cash flow.
Develop robust costing models and profitability reporting.
Oversee tax, VAT compliance and internal controls.

Skills

Management accounting

Cost accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Tax & VAT compliance

Capital investment evaluation

Financial reporting

Cost & profitability analysis

Production finance

Education

CA(SA) or CIMA

Tools

BAAN or Infor LN

Advanced Excel

Job description

National Chicks | Camperdown / Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal - Lead Financial Excellence in a Vertically Integrated Poultry Business

National Chicks, a leading player in South Africa's poultry industry, is seeking a commercially astute and results-driven Financial Manager to join its leadership team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Finance Manager for Astral Poultry Agriculture, the successful candidate will provide strategic financial leadership across breeder and broiler operations, ensuring sound financial management, operational efficiency, governance, and sustainable business growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional to play a key role within a dynamic agricultural business where finance is central to production performance, biological asset management, operational decision-making, and long‑term strategic success.

The Opportunity

As a member of the senior management team, you will work closely with operational, production, and executive leadership to drive profitability, optimise resources, strengthen financial controls, and support the continued growth of the business.

This role requires a finance leader who can combine strong technical expertise with commercial insight and a hands‑on approach to partnering with operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

Lead and manage the complete finance function across poultry and agricultural operations.
Deliver accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
Drive budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial planning processes.
Provide financial analysis and commercial insights to support business decisions.

Agricultural & Operational Finance

Manage financial reporting relating to breeder and broiler production operations.
Monitor and analyse production costs, feed costs, flock performance and operational efficiencies.
Oversee stock, biological assets, fixed assets, debtors, creditors, provisions and cash flow management.
Develop and maintain robust costing models and profitability reporting. Evaluate and monitor capital expenditure projects and infrastructure investments.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax, VAT and regulatory requirements.
Maintain a strong internal control environment and sound corporate governance practices.
Manage financial risk, insurance and business continuity considerations.
Oversee financial systems and reporting integrity.

Leadership & Business Partnership

Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing finance team.
Partner with production, farming and operational management to improve business performance.
Participate in Executive, Audit, Risk and Steering Committee forums.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence across the business.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

CA(SA) or CIMA qualification (essential)

Experience

Minimum 5 to 10 years' relevant financial management experience.
Proven experience within:
Poultry production or similar animal background
Agricultural environment
FMCG environments

Strong experience in:

Management accounting
Cost accounting and standard costing
Budgeting and forecasting
Tax and VAT compliance
Capital investment evaluation
Financial reporting and controls
Cost and profitability analysis
Strong understanding of production and operational finance

Experience with biological assets, livestock accounting, or agricultural production environments will be highly advantageous.

Technical Competencies

Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
ERP and integrated financial systems experience – BAAN or Infor®LN experience would be advantageous
Financial modelling and forecasting
Cost and profitability analysis
Strong understanding of production and operational finance

Key Success Factors

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking
Excellent leadership and people management skills
High levels of integrity and professionalism
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
A hands‑on approach and operational mindset
The ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced agricultural environment
A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence

Why Join National Chicks?

At National Chicks as part of Astral Foods, the leading south African poultry producer, we are committed to excellence throughout the poultry value chain. This role offers the opportunity to work within a well‑established agricultural business where your contribution will directly influence operational performance, profitability and long‑term growth.