Strategic Finance Manager & Xero Expert

Empire Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire Recruitment is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the full finance function across multiple entities, driving monthly reporting, reconciliations, year-end statements, and robust internal controls. You will manage cash flow, debtors, creditors, and banking relationships while overseeing project billing, revenue recognition and WIP in a service-based environment.

You will lead audits, ensure SARS/CIPC compliance, develop the finance team, and partner with directors on commercial initiatives.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline. CIMA advantageous
• Proven experience as a Finance Manager or Senior Finance Professional within a professional or business services environment.
• Strong staff management experience
• XERO accounting package - nonnegotiable
• Strong understanding of project accounting, client billing, revenue recognition and work-in-progress (WIP)
• Experience managing the full accounting function, including audits, tax compliance and statutory reporting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop finance teams.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Commercially minded with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities evolve and collaboration is essential.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the full finance function across multiple entities.
• Lead the monthly financial reporting process, including management accounts, reconciliations and year-end financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, debtors, creditors and banking relationships.
• Oversee project and client billing, revenue recognition and work-in-progress reporting within a service-based environment.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial records and maintain strong internal controls.
• Manage the annual audit process and ensure compliance with all SARS, CIPC and statutory requirements.
• Lead and develop the finance and administration team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee payroll, employee-related financial processes and finance administration.
• Prepare executive reports, board packs and meaningful financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Drive automation, process improvements and systems enhancements across the finance function.
• Support business projects and work closely with Directors on commercial initiatives.

Skills

Xero accounting

Project accounting

Revenue recognition

Work-in-progress (WIP)

Staff management

Advanced Excel

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

CIMA advantageous

Job description

Empire Recruitment is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the full finance function across multiple entities, driving monthly reporting, reconciliations, year-end statements, and robust internal controls. You will manage cash flow, debtors, creditors, and banking relationships while overseeing project billing, revenue recognition and WIP in a service-based environment.

You will lead audits, ensure SARS/CIPC compliance, develop the finance team, and partner with directors on commercial initiatives.