Commercial Finance Manager

Our client is seeking a high -caliber, commercially minded Financial Controller to take ownership of their financial ecosystem.  This is not just a backward -looking compliance role.  While you will ensure absolute integrity in reporting, governance, and audit deliverables, you will actively partner with leadership to unlock value.

Reporting to the Finance Director and managing a team of about 9 in the wider finance team.

• Cash Optimization: Own the 13 -week tactical cash forecasting model. Actively track Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and collaborate with FP&A/Sales to optimize working capital.
  
• Strategic Input: Partner directly with the CFO and FP&A teams, translating core financial outcomes into actionable insights for budgeting and forecasting.
  
• Finance Transformation: Act as a change agent. Drive automation, streamline ERP configurations (Syspro/equivalent), and eliminate manual inefficiencies to free up the team for analytical work.
  
  

Financial Reporting & Robust Control

• Month -End Mastery: Lead and elevate the month -end close process, ensuring management accounts are highly accurate, punchy, and meaningful for executive decision -making.
  
• Balance Sheet Integrity: Oversee the General Ledger, sub -ledger alignments, and monthly review packs with a razor -sharp eye for detail.
  
• Audit Ownership: Lead the preparation of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and quarterback the external audit process to guarantee clean, friction -free outcomes.
  
  

Tax, Compliance & Team Leadership

• Statutory Governance: Ensure flawless compliance across VAT, PAYE, and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) frameworks.
  
• Operational Oversight: Mentor and lead the Accounts Payable, Bank & Cash, and Expense Control teams, fostering a culture of high accountability and continuous improvement.
  

Requirements

• The Badge: CA(SA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification is essential.
  
• The Track Record: 5 to 8 years of post -articles experience, with a proven history of managing complex financial closes, tax cycles, and audits.
  
• The Sector Edge: Experience in FMCG, Retail, or Distribution will give you a massive head start (understanding inventory, high -volume transactions, and tight margins is key).
  
• Systems Savvy: Strong ERP experience is non -negotiable; hands -on experience with Syspro or similar mid -to -enterprise tier systems is highly advantageous.
  
• Technical Depth: Deep working knowledge of IFRS and South African tax/regulatory frameworks.