Senior Finance Manager

Salix Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cargo and freight provider in Johannesburg is searching for a strategic financial manager. This role includes guiding a finance team, overseeing financial operations, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, CA(SA) certification, and at least 7 years of proven experience in financial management. The position offers opportunities for leadership and significant contributions to the company's financial success.

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) is necessary.
• At least 7 years of experience in a senior finance role is required.
• Must have completed SAICA Articles.
• Minimum 5 years in management within a finance department.
• Knowledge of IFRS standards, VAT, Income Tax, and transfer pricing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a finance team, ensuring accountability.
• Oversee financial operations and prepare financial statements.
• Ensure accuracy of ledgers and internal controls.
• Manage audit processes and maintain strong controls.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent (NQF Level 7)

CA(SA)

Tools

Accpac

Job description

Overview

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information, maintaining clean audits, and guiding the finance team to deliver exceptional results in a dynamic environment.

A leading provider of airfreight and cargo handling services in South Africa, this organisation plays a critical role in the logistics and aviation industries. With operations across major airports and a strong focus on time-sensitive, high-value, and perishable goods, the business is known for its reliability, efficiency, and commitment to compliance and safety. Serving freight forwarders, couriers, and airline partners, the company is driven by a high-performance culture and innovative service delivery.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a dynamic and fast-paced industry that keeps the economy moving. You’ll join an established, high-performing organisation where your expertise in finance and strategic decision-making will directly influence operational success and growth.

If you thrive in an environment that values ownership, innovation, and excellence, this role offers the perfect platform to lead a capable team, enhance financial systems, and contribute to both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. You’ll gain exposure to complex, high-impact projects including mergers, acquisitions, and continuous process improvements.

In return, you’ll enjoy a collaborative leadership team, the ability to drive change, and the satisfaction of seeing your contributions reflected in real business outcomes.

Duties

• Lead and mentor a dedicated finance team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Oversee financial operations, including preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of all ledgers, cashbook, accounts, and reporting functions
• Manage internal and external audit processes and maintain strong internal controls
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for informed strategic decisions
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts and manage banking relationships
• Support mergers and acquisitions through financial due diligence and valuation modelling
• Drive automation and process improvements across financial systems

Job Experience & Skills Required

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelors degree or equivalent (NQF Level 7)
• CA(SA)

Experience

• Completed SAICA Articles
• At least 7 years proven experience as a Financial Manager or in a similar senior finance role
• Minimum 5 years management experience within a finance department
• Minimum 5 years industry-related experience within Cargo, Freight, or Transport sectors
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software (e.g., Accpac)
• Deep understanding of accounting principles, bookkeeping, and financial regulations
• Thorough knowledge of IFRS standards, VAT, Income Tax, and transfer pricing

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to guide finance teams towards strategic objectives
• Independent, proactive, and able to work well within a team
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Outstanding time management and ability to perform under pressure
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and investigative capabilities
• Professional, positive, and proactive mindset
• Ability to manage departmental compliance with policies, audits, and regulatory requirements
• Skilled at resource planning, delegation, and managing peak financial periods

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.