Regional Finance Manager

Smith Garb; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Garb is seeking a Regional Finance Leader to own P&L, balance sheet and cash flow, and to drive monthly management reporting across the region. You will analyse financial results, oversee payroll and procurement controls, and ensure inventory and fixed asset governance while partnering with the General Manager and operations teams.

Ideal candidates have accounting qualifications, 2–3 years in a finance leadership role, and strong Excel/finance systems proficiency to support profitable

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in accounting/finance; honours preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting and budgeting.
• Experience in management reporting, cash flow and controls.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of regional P&L, balance sheet and cash flow.
• Prepare, consolidate and review monthly management accounts.
• Analyse results, investigate variances and implement actions.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, controls over appointments and salaries.
• Maintain inventory controls, fixed assets and procurement compliance.
• Monitor cash flow, debtors and creditors in line with policy.
• Lead regional finance team and partner with GM and ops teams.

Skills

Financial acumen

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication in English

Education

Accounting diploma or degree

Honours qualification advantageous

Tools

MS Excel

Financial management systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Take full ownership of the regional profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow.
• Prepare, consolidate and review monthly management accounts and regional reporting packs.
• Analyse financial results, investigate variances and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor operational costing, including production costs, cost efficiency, labour productivity and machine utilisation.
• Validate daily operational reports against financial records.
• Develop budgets, rolling forecasts and scenario analyses, supported by documented assumptions and risk assessments.

Payroll & Cost Control

• Review and approve monthly payroll reconciliations and payroll journals.
• Ensure effective controls over employee appointments, terminations and salary adjustments.
• Reconcile payroll information with HR records and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor payroll costs and identify unusual transactions or potential control weaknesses.

Procurement, Inventory & Fixed Assets

• Enforce procurement policies, approval limits and supplier compliance requirements.
• Monitor procurement expenditure and drive improved compliance with B-BBEE procurement requirements.
• Ensure effective inventory controls, reconciliations and variance investigations.
• Maintain an accurate and fully reconciled fixed asset register.
• Oversee asset acquisitions, transfers, disposals and adherence to capital expenditure policies.
• Maintain appropriate supporting documentation and ensure compliance with group procedures.

Commercial Performance & Working Capital

• Monitor sales performance against budget, focusing on margins and customer profitability.
• Ensure accurate and timely customer invoicing and daily dispatch reconciliations.
• Identify and address revenue leakage, discrepancies and control breaches.
• Manage cash flow, debtor collections and creditor payments in accordance with group policies.
• Monitor accounts receivable risk and ensure appropriate collection actions are implemented.
• Support commercial negotiations within delegated authority.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with financial, statutory, SHEQ and ESG requirements.
• Identify financial and operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Maintain continuous audit readiness through regular control reviews and self-assessments.
• Coordinate the resolution of audit findings within agreed timelines.
• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance and sound financial governance across finance, operations and procurement.

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Lead, coach and develop the regional finance team.
• Assign clear responsibilities for financial controls and reporting.
• Train team members on governance, compliance and financial policies.
• Partner with the Regional General Manager and operational teams to improve profitability, cost efficiency and business performance.
• Conduct regular control reviews with finance, operations and procurement stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric (NQF Level 4) or equivalent.
• Accounting diploma or degree; an Honours qualification would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 2–3 years' experience in a similar finance management or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Experience in financial controls, reconciliations, risk management and operational cost control.
• Working knowledge of procurement, inventory and fixed asset controls.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, and financial management systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within a service-related industry.
• Exposure to operational environments, with responsibility for financial governance, compliance and business performance.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capabilities.
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong planning, organisational and administrative skills.
• High levels of integrity, accountability and ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, strengthening controls and improving operational performance.