Senior Financial Manager

Cls; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive medical aid

Group life insurance & retirement fund

Job summary

Cls, a key player in Gauteng, South Africa, seeks a Senior Financial Manager to lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting across the group. The role involves overseeing multiple branches, driving profitability, and implementing strong financial controls for sustainable growth.

You will mentor the finance team, deliver concise executive dashboards, and collaborate with MDs to shape strategic financial decisions.

Qualifications

• A relevant BCom / Finance / Accounting qualification.
• CA(SA) advantageous.
• Strong experience in financial management, management accounting and reporting.
• Experience managing finance across multiple branches, sites or business units.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and deliver monthly management accounts and executive reporting.
• Drive branch profitability analysis and recommend corrective action.
• Manage rolling cash-flow forecasts and working capital across the group.
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance across banking, creditors and debtors.

Skills

Excel

ERP

Reporting

Data analytics

Education

BCom / Finance / Accounting qualification

CA(SA)

Tools

SAP ERP

Oracle ERP

Job description

Explore senior financial manager opportunities in Gauteng, South Africa. This role involves overseeing financial planning, analysis, and reporting. Professionals manage budgets, develop financial strategies, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Job seekers can find positions requiring strong analytical skills, leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of financial principles. These roles often demand experience in financial management, accounting, and strategic planning.

Positions may be available in various sectors, including corporate finance, banking, and investment management. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications, such as a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, and professional certifications like CA(SA) or CFA.

A degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is usually required. Professional certifications like CA(SA) or CFA are beneficial. Experience in financial management and strategic planning is also important.

The expected salary range for a senior financial manager in Gauteng is between ZAR 700,000 to ZAR 1,200,000 per year. This range can vary based on experience, company size, and specific responsibilities.

Top employers in Gauteng for financial managers include Standard Bank, Absa, and FirstRand. These companies often have various opportunities for financial professionals.

Senior financial managers can advance to roles such as finance director, chief financial officer (CFO), or partner in a financial firm. They may also move into consulting or executive management positions.

Job Description

As Senior Financial Manager, you will provide financial leadership across the group.

• Leading the finance function and delivering accurate, insightful monthly management accounts and executive reporting.
• Providing the MD with weekly financial and operational dashboards covering revenue, gross profit, WIP, debtors, insurer recoveries, productivity, margins and cash flow.
• Driving branch-level profitability analysis, identifying underperformance and recommending corrective action.
• Managing rolling cash-flow forecasts, working capital and cash discipline across the group.
• Monitoring and improving WIP, job cards, invoicing delays and completed-but-not-invoiced work.
• Taking ownership of debtor collections, insurer recoveries, short payments and aged balances.
• Analysing labour recovery, productive hours, efficiency and overtime to identify opportunities to improve branch performance.
• Protecting margins through effective monitoring of parts, paint, consumables, supplier pricing, credits and write-offs.
• Identifying margin leakage, cost risks and operational inefficiencies and partnering with branch and workshop managers to address them.
• Leading budgeting, forecasting, business cases, supplier reviews, capex proposals and branch performance reviews.
• Maintaining strong financial controls across banking, creditors, debtors, payroll, stock, approvals and financial processes.
• Ensuring audit, tax, statutory, POPIA, insurer and internal policy compliance.
• Leading, developing and mentoring the finance team, creating a culture of accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Supporting the implementation and governance of technology, workflow, reporting and AI-enabled tools that improve operational and financial visibility.

You’ll be measured on your ability to:

• Drive profitability
• Provide clear visibility of gross profit and EBITDA across all 10 branches and identify opportunities to improve performance.
• Strengthen cash flow
• Maintain accurate weekly cash-flow forecasting and improve working capital, collections and insurer recoveries.
• Improve operational performance
• Use financial data to identify opportunities around WIP, labour recovery, productivity, parts margins and cost control.
• Give the MD clarity
• Deliver concise, decision-ready reporting that highlights risks, opportunities, exceptions and recommended actions.
• Strengthen controls
• Ensure robust financial governance, approval disciplines, reconciliations and compliance across the group.
• Build a high-performing finance team
• Develop a capable, accountable team with strong processes, cross-training and succession cover.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a commercially astute and hands‑on finance professional who can operate comfortably between the finance office, the MD’s desk and the branches.

• A relevant BCom / Finance / Accounting qualification.
• CA(SA) Advantageous
• Strong experience in financial management, management accounting, reporting and commercial finance.
• Experience managing finance across multiple branches, sites or business units.
• Strong Excel, ERP, reporting, dashboard and data‑analytics capabilities.
• Proven experience with WIP, working capital, debtors, cash flow and profitability analysis.
• The confidence to challenge branch performance constructively and hold stakeholders accountable.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to turn complex financial information into clear commercial recommendations.
• A hands‑on, energetic and solutions‑driven approach.

Elevate your career

Elevate your career by taking on a key leadership role with the opportunity to shape financial strategies at a respected organisation. This position offers significant responsibility and a chance to grow within a supportive team environment.

Duties

• Assist in managing financial reporting and analysis
• Support budget preparation and forecasting
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies
• Collaborate with other departments to optimise financial performance
• Contribute to process improvements and financial controls

Requirements

• At least two years post‑article experience
• Strong understanding of financial principles and reporting
• Excellent analytical and communication skills

Familiarity with the following

• IFRS standards
• Financial management software
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Supportive work environment focused on growth and excellence

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with regional financial management and reporting
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Analyse financial performance and provide actionable insights
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, policies, and procedures
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end reporting activities
• Monitor regional expenditure and profitability
• Work closely with operational teams to improve financial efficiency
• Prepare management reports and presentations for leadership

Key Responsibilities (Finance Team)

• Lead financial reviews and detailed financial analysis.
• Prepare and review IFRS‑compliant financial information.
• Prepare and review annual financial statements.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial reporting.
• Deliver high‑quality reporting within strict deadlines.

Tax, VAT & Compliance

• Prepare and review tax and VAT submissions.
• Liaise directly with SARS on tax‑related matters.
• Review VAT reconciliations and tax calculations.
• Provide technical guidance on IFRS, taxation, and Companies Act requirements.
• Support internal and external audit processes.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Support business decision‑making through financial analysis and insights.
• Assist with strategic finance initiatives and key business projects.
• Contribute to group reporting requirements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Financial Controllers and Accountants.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support the ongoing development of the finance function.

Requirements (Qualifications)

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. A professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, or ACCA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with at least 3 years in a financial management or similar capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, South African tax laws, and corporate finance.
• Proven experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Proficiency in financial management software (ERP systems like SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Experience in the technology services sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical aid, group life insurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a growing group.
• Prime office location in Sandton, Gauteng.
• Collaborative and professional working environment.

About the Role

Our client, a thriving enterprise in the technology services sector, is seeking an accomplished Financial Manager to lead its financial operations. This vital role is situated in the bustling commercial district of Randburg, Gauteng. The Financial Manager will be responsible for strategic financial planning, budgeting, management reporting, cash flow management, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This position requires a seasoned professional with strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of financial principles, and the ability to drive financial performance. You will be instrumental in guiding the company's financial strategy and ensuring its sustainable growth. The ideal candidate possesses excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills and is adept at managing complex financial data. Our client is committed to innovation and excellence, offering a challenging and rewarding career path within a dynamic industry. Join a leading organization in Randburg, Gauteng, and make a significant impact on its financial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the company's financial operations, including accounting, reporting, and treasury.
• Develop and execute strategic financial plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and stakeholders.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and optimise financial resources.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements.
• Implement and maintain robust internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team.
• Analyse financial performance, identify trends, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Liaise with external auditors, bankers, and other financial institutions.
• Evaluate and implement financial systems and processes for efficiency.
• Support business development and investment decisions with financial analysis.