Senior Financial Analyst - FMCG Corporate

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive medical aid and pension

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work environment in Sandton

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Financial Analyst for a hybrid role based in Sandton, Gauteng. You will provide critical financial insights, lead budgeting and forecasting, and drive performance improvements across the FMCG corporate finance team.

You will build financial models, conduct variance and profitability analyses, prepare reports for senior management, and collaborate with business units on opportunities and mitigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• CA(SA), CFA, or CIMA certification is advantageous.
• 5–7 years of FP&A or corporate finance experience in FMCG or similar.
• Strong financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Advanced Excel with pivot tables, lookups, and complex formulas; ERP/BI familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis including variance, trend, and profitability analysis.
• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes.
• Prepare financial reports and presentations for senior management.
• Develop financial models for initiatives and business cases.
• Monitor key financial metrics and identify risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with business units to understand performance and provide insights.
• Assist in evaluating new business opportunities and potential M&A.
• Contribute to process improvements within the finance function.
• Stay current with accounting standards and FMCG regulations.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis as required.

Skills

Financial analysis

FP&A

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Financial modeling

Excel skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics

Tools

SAP

Oracle

BI tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Financial Analyst to join their corporate finance team. This hybrid role, based in the prestigious business hub of Sandton, Gauteng, involves providing critical financial insights, supporting strategic decision-making, and driving financial performance improvements across the organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and management reporting. This position requires a strong analytical aptitude, excellent business acumen, and the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to various stakeholders, including senior management. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and ensuring the sustained growth and profitability of the company. The role in Sandton offers a chance to work within a dynamic corporate environment in one of Africa's leading economic centers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend analysis, and profitability analysis.
• Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with strategic goals.
• Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key financial drivers and performance indicators.
• Develop financial models to support strategic initiatives, investment appraisals, and business case development.
• Monitor key financial metrics and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with business units to understand their financial performance and provide insights and support.
• Assist in the evaluation of new business opportunities and potential mergers or acquisitions.
• Contribute to process improvements within the finance function, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay current with accounting standards and financial regulations relevant to the FMCG sector.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis as required by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., CA(SA), CFA, CIMA) is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in financial analysis, FP&A, or corporate finance within the FMCG industry or a related sector.
• Proven ability in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and accounting practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, complex formulas) and financial modeling software.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and BI tools is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing multiple priorities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and career advancement.
• Exposure to strategic financial planning for a leading FMCG company.
• A dynamic hybrid work environment offering flexibility in Sandton, Gauteng.
• Key role in influencing financial strategy and business performance.