Senior Finance Leader & Commercial Partner

Smith Garb; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Garb is seeking a seasoned finance leader to head the full finance function in a dynamic logistics environment. The role requires directing AP/AR, cash management, reporting and controls, with a strong focus on IFRS, budgeting and performance analysis across multiple units.

You will partner with Country Management, drive ESG reporting, support acquisitions and ensure compliance with VAT, tax and local regulations while mentoring a finance team to deliver timely, accurate financial insights.

Qualifications

• BCom Accounting Honours Degree or related financial qualification.
• 5–7 years' experience in Financial Controlling, Finance Management or an audit environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial controlling and reporting.
• Sound knowledge of VAT, withholding tax and income tax.
• Experience with foreign currency translations and revaluations.
• Strong financial statement preparation and analysis skills.
• Good understanding of local and Group financial compliance.
• Strong knowledge of accounting policies and procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of IFRS.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience with Sage 300, AS400 and Microsoft D365 FO would be highly relevant.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong time management and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing business environments.
• High levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire a finance team.
• A self-starter who takes ownership and uses initiative.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full finance function, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cash Management and Financial Controlling.
• Partner with Country Management on financial performance, profitability and business decisions.
• Review monthly P&L, balance sheet and cash flow results, identifying variances against budget and prior periods.
• Provide detailed analysis of revenue, costs, profitability and productivity across clients, branches and products.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in line with Group requirements.
• Monitor financial controls, compliance and monthly finance deliverables.
• Review and analyse financial KPIs and provide relevant insight to management.
• Oversee local reconciliations and balance sheet reviews, identifying potential financial risks.
• Lead the external audit process and preparation of Annual Financial Statements.
• Ensure ongoing CIPC maintenance and compliance.
• Support financial compliance requirements and provide financial analysis to the wider business.
• Take responsibility for ESG reporting.
• Facilitate monthly Country Management meetings.
• Support the finance function during acquisitions.
• Review FTE developments and associated financial implications.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting through relevant reporting systems.
• Manage period-end close activities, including deadlines that may occasionally require work outside normal business hours.

Skills

IFRS knowledge

MS Excel advanced

Financial leadership

VAT & tax knowledge

Foreign currency translations

Education

BCom Accounting Honours

CA(SA) or CIMA (advantage)

Tools

Sage 300

AS400

Microsoft D365 FO

Job description

Smith Garb is seeking a seasoned finance leader to head the full finance function in a dynamic logistics environment. The role requires directing AP/AR, cash management, reporting and controls, with a strong focus on IFRS, budgeting and performance analysis across multiple units.

You will partner with Country Management, drive ESG reporting, support acquisitions and ensure compliance with VAT, tax and local regulations while mentoring a finance team to deliver timely, accurate financial insights.