Lead Professional Management Accountant

Edge Executive Search Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational professional services firm in Johannesburg seeks a Lead Professional Management Accountant. The role involves driving financial performance through collaboration with finance leaders, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and providing commercial insights. The ideal candidate is CA(SA) or CIMA qualified with at least 3 years of experience in an operational or commercial finance role. This position offers a chance to contribute to a respected organization focused on sustainability.

Qualifications

• 3+ years post-qualification experience in operational/commercial finance.
• Experience in consulting or professional services environment is preferred.
• Understanding of financial systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Partner with divisional heads and finance teams on strategic plans.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and monthly reporting.
• Provide commercial insights into bids and project performance.
• Manage working capital and aged debtors.

Skills

Analytical skills

Business partnering

Communication

Proficiency in Excel

Financial analysis

Education

CA(SA) or CIMA qualified

Tools

Excel

Job description

Lead Professional Management Accountant

Location: Johannesburg
Type: Permanent

Drive financial performance with insight and integrity.

Transform data into direction, shaping business growth through strategic finance partnership.

About the Role

As the Lead Professional Management Accountant, you’ll partner closely with divisional and group finance leaders to deliver clear, data-driven financial guidance that supports sustainable growth. You’ll ensure revenue and costs are accurately reported in line with IFRS and company policy, translating numbers into actionable insights that improve decision-making, project profitability, and operational performance.

This role combines technical accounting expertise with commercial acumen — balancing financial control with a forward-looking, advisory approach that empowers the business unit to achieve its goals.

Who the Client Is

This opportunity sits within a respected multinational engineering and professional services group known for its technical excellence, commitment to sustainability, and strong financial discipline. The company operates across diverse infrastructure and environmental sectors, blending global standards with a collaborative, people-first culture.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with divisional heads and finance teams to develop and implement strategic financial plans.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and monthly reporting, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance.
• Provide commercial insights into bids, proposals, and project performance to protect and enhance margins.
• Review and manage working capital, WIP schedules, and aged debtors to meet financial targets.
• Lead analysis on financial trends, performance, and cost-to-complete projections.
• Guide and mentor project accountants, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on contract negotiations, commercial governance, and performance tracking.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, IFRS, and health & safety (SHEQ) standards.

What You Bring

• Qualified CA(SA) or CIMA with 3+ years’ post-qualification experience in an operational or commercial finance role.
• Proven experience in a consulting or professional services environment preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and solid understanding of financial systems.
• Strong analytical and business partnering capabilities with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Excellent communication skills — clear, persuasive, and collaborative.
• High integrity, emotional intelligence, and a proactive, solutions-driven approach.
• Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Insightful financial reporting that drives informed strategic decisions.
• Improved project profitability and effective cost control.
• Well-managed working capital and consistent DSO performance.
• Trusted finance partnership across business units.
• A motivated, well-supported accounting team demonstrating accountability and growth.
• Continuous improvement in financial processes and reporting accuracy.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing finance team where initiative, precision, and partnership matter. This is a chance to make measurable impact in a respected global organisation shaping a more sustainable future.