Manager: Finance

Network Contracting; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Contracting in South Africa seeks a Commercially astute Finance and Administration Leader to provide strategic financial leadership across accounting, planning, reporting, treasury, taxation and procurement. The role integrates IT and administrative functions within an international manufacturing context, guiding business performance with strong financial controls and insightful analysis.

The successful candidate will translate financial data into strategic advice for operational and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting (NQF Level 7).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in financial and/or management accounting.
• Experience in manufacturing environment, preferably food manufacturing.
• Experience in financial controls, statutory compliance, external audits and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Finance and Administration Department, overseeing accounting, payroll, procurement, IT and administrative functions.
• Drive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and month-end/year-end closing processes.
• Provide strategic financial insights, commercial analysis and recommendations to support executive decision-making and business performance.
• Oversee treasury, cash flow management, banking relationships, credit control and accounts receivable.
• Manage cost accounting, profitability and margin analysis, including operational reporting across manufacturing, sales, sourcing and logistics.
• Develop financial models, business cases and investment appraisals to support capital expenditure and strategic investment decisions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax and regulatory requirements, including Companies Act obligations, transfer pricing and corporate governance.
• Oversee external audits, internal controls, insurance portfolios and relationships with external stakeholders.
• Drive ERP systems governance, financial systems integrity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight of procurement, supplier management, sourcing and cost optimisation.
• Lead, mentor and develop finance and administrative teams while driving organisational change and process improvements.
• Support transformation objectives, including B-BBEE and Employment Equity initiatives.]

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

ERP systems

Financial modelling

Excel (MS Excel)

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting (NQF Level 7)

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Company and Job Description

Join a well-established international manufacturing group with a strong global footprint and more than 140 years of industry experience. Operating within the food, pharmaceutical and health and nutrition sectors, the organisation is recognised for its technical expertise, product innovation and commitment to quality.

The successful incumbent will take overall responsibility for the Finance and Administration function, providing strategic financial leadership while overseeing accounting, financial planning, reporting, treasury, taxation, procurement, IT and related administrative functions.

This is a commercially focused leadership position requiring someone who can translate financial information into meaningful business insights, strengthen financial controls and partner with operational and executive stakeholders to drive sustainable business performance. If you are a commercially astute finance professional looking for an opportunity to influence business strategy within an international manufacturing environment, this could be your next career move!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Finance and Administration Department, overseeing accounting, payroll, procurement, IT and administrative functions.
• Drive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and month-end/year-end closing processes.
• Provide strategic financial insights, commercial analysis and recommendations to support executive decision-making and business performance.
• Oversee treasury, cash flow management, banking relationships, credit control and accounts receivable.
• Manage cost accounting, profitability and margin analysis, including operational reporting across manufacturing, sales, sourcing and logistics.
• Develop financial models, business cases and investment appraisals to support capital expenditure and strategic investment decisions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax and regulatory requirements, including Companies Act obligations, transfer pricing and corporate governance.
• Oversee external audits, internal controls, insurance portfolios and relationships with external stakeholders.
• Drive ERP systems governance, financial systems integrity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight of procurement, supplier management, sourcing and cost optimisation.
• Lead, mentor and develop finance and administrative teams while driving organisational change and process improvements.
• Support transformation objectives, including B-BBEE and Employment Equity initiatives.

Job Experience and Skills Required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting (NQF Level 7).

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in financial and/or management accounting.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably food manufacturing, will be highly advantageous.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting and commercial analysis.
• Exposure to procurement, payroll, IT governance and broader administrative functions.
• Experience in financial controls, statutory compliance, external audits and ERP systems.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong commercial and strategic financial acumen.
• Advanced cost accounting, profitability and margin analysis.
• Financial modelling, scenario planning and investment appraisal.
• Strong ERP and financial systems knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, team management and change management capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, preferably PDCA.
• Proficiency in MS Excel (intermediate) and the MS Office suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, discipline and organisational ability.