Financial / Operations Manager

The Talent Room; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive group seeks a Head of Finance & Operations to oversee and manage the dealership's operational and financial functions. The role demands strong leadership abilities, financial acumen, and experience in the automotive sector, ensuring compliance and efficiency across departments. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for advancement within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary + performance bonus

Provident fund and medical aid

Company benefits (fuel card, communication allowance, etc.)

Opportunities for advancement within the automotive group

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of financial and operational management experience in the automotive sector required.
• Proficient in DMS platforms (Kerridge/Autoline/CDK, Evolve).
• Must demonstrate strong leadership and team development capability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze monthly management accounts and forecasts.
• Oversee budgets, cost controls, and compliance with regulations.
• Supervise finance and admin staff and ensure effective training.

Skills

Financial acumen

Analytical ability

Operational planning

Attention to detail

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management

CA(SA) or CIMA qualification

Tools

DMS platforms

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

To oversee and manage the operational and financial functions of the dealership or group, ensuring profitability, compliance, and efficient workflow across departments. This role bridges operational strategy with financial control to support sustainable business growth in a dynamic automotive environment.

Key Responsibilities :

• Prepare and analyze monthly management accounts, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and expenditure across all departments (Sales, Service, Parts, F&I).
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and OEM audit requirements.
• Monitor cash flow, debtors, creditors, and stock levels to ensure financial health.
• Liaise with external auditors, banks, and finance partners.

Operational Oversight :

• Support the Dealer Principal and departmental managers in setting and achieving operational KPIs.
• Streamline workflows and implement best practices to improve dealership efficiency and profitability.
• Monitor stock rotation, floorplan management, and vehicle aging to minimise holding costs.
• Oversee procurement processes, supplier relationships, and cost negotiations.

Reporting & Compliance :

• Generate and submit accurate operational and financial reports to senior leadership and OEMs.
• Ensure compliance with all internal controls, risk management policies, and OEM standards.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments as needed.

Team & Systems Management :

• Supervise and develop finance and admin staff.
• Oversee systems integration, DMS (Dealer Management System) performance, and reporting tools.
• Ensure effective training and support for all departments regarding financial and operational procedures.

Minimum Requirements :

• Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management. CA(SA) or CIMA qualification is an advantage.
• Experience : 5–10 years of financial and operational management experience in the automotive sector (dealer or group level).
• Systems : Proficient in DMS platforms (e.g., Kerridge / Autoline / CDK, Evolve), Excel, and ERP systems.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical ability
• Excellent operational planning and process management skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Leadership and team development capability
• Sound understanding of automotive KPIs and dealership operations
• Integrity, reliability, and accountability

Remuneration Package :

• Competitive salary + performance bonus
• Provident fund and medical aid
• Company benefits (fuel card, communication allowance, etc.)
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing automotive group