Senior Finance Manager

Outsourced CFO; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A growing finance agency is looking for a Senior Financial Manager to lead their financial operations in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will take ownership of the Trial Balance, implement internal controls, and manage a finance team. With a focus on project accounting in a BTL agency, this role requires a hands-on leader with strong problem-solving skills and agency experience. Proficiency in Chase is essential, and a background in Cost Accounting is preferred. This on-site role supports the agency's growth with accurate financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a Financial Management role.
• Experience managing a full-function finance department.
• Must reside in Johannesburg and work on-site.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the Trial Balance and centralize accounting functions.
• Implement internal controls for a high-volume business.
• Manage job costing and profitability for manufacturing and events.
• Oversee debtors book and collections strategy.
• Manage complex payroll environment.
• Provide accurate financial reporting for CEO.

Skills

Financial Management

Cost Accounting

Project-based financial management

Problem-solving

Leadership

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Chase

Xero

Job description

Job Description

Are you a seasoned finance professional who gets excited by the challenge of \"fixing the engine while the car is driving\"?

We are recruiting on behalf of a client who is a rapidly growing 360° Below-the-Line (BTL) agency with a unique footprint that includes in‑house creative, a full‑scale manufacturing factory, and national logistics operations. They are looking for a Senior Financial Manager to step in, take the reins, and bring their financial operations entirely in‑house. This is not a role for a \"spectator\" CA‑we need an entrepreneurial, hands‑on leader who wants to own the Trial Balance, implement rigid internal controls, and drive profitability across a complex, multi‑faced business.

This is a critical leadership role with a clear mandate: reclaim internal control. You will lead a finance team of three and transition our functions away from outsourced support back into the heart of our office.

• Financial Sovereignty: Take full ownership of the Trial Balance and centralize all accounting functions.


• Operational Control: Implement robust internal controls and policies to support a high‑volume, fast‑moving business.


• Complex Project Accounting: Manage job costing and profitability analysis for a business that manufactures physical goods and delivers experiential events.


• Cash Flow & Debtors: Oversee a multi‑million rand debtors book and drive a proactive collections strategy.


• Payroll Oversight: Manage a complex payroll environment involving permanent staff, Brand Ambassadors, and independent contractors.


• Strategic Reporting: Provide the CEO with real‑time, accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting to guide business growth.

We aren't looking for a \"typical\" corporate accountant. We need a business partner who understands the nuance of an agency environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.


• Minimum 5+ years in a Financial Management role.


• Proven experience in managing a full‑function finance department.


• Must reside in Johannesburg and be able to work daily from our Wynberg office (this is a hands‑on, on‑site role).

• Experience: Ideally ~10 years of diverse experience. While a CA qualification is valued, we prioritize a proven track record in Cost Accounting and project‑based financial management.


• Agency DNA: Previous experience in a BTL, experiential, or creative agency is highly preferred. You must understand the \"agency rhythm.\"


• Systems Savvy: Proficiency in Chase is essential (job costing/expense management). Familiarity with Xero is a major advantage.


• Leadership Style: You are a \"problem‑finder\" and a \"problem‑solver.\" You are comfortable getting your hands dirty in the spreadsheets while simultaneously mentoring your team.


• Entrepreneurial Mindset: You understand that finance is there to support the business's growth, not just to report on it.