Group Finance Manager

This is a hands‑on, operational finance role suited to a commercially sharp finance professional who understands manufacturing costing, WIP, and inventory, and enjoys being close to the shop floor and leadership team. You will be trusted to provide financial insight, strengthen controls, and support strategic decision‑making as the business scales.

Reporting directly to senior leadership, the Finance Manager will manage the end‑to‑end finance function for the business and associated group entities. The role requires someone who can balance technical accounting, operational finance, and strong analytical capability, while confidently leading and improving the finance function.

🔑 Key Responsibilities:

• Full Financial Management:
• Own and manage the full accounting function
• Ensure accurate and timely month‑end and year‑end closes
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts
• Manage cash flow, budgets, forecasts, and financial planning
• Provide financial insight and analysis to guide business decisions
• Manufacturing & Cost Accounting:
• Manage work in progress (WIP) accounting and reporting
• Oversee inventory and cost accounting within a manufacturing environment
• Analyse margins, variances, and production costs
• Manage fixed assets and depreciation schedules
• Tax, Compliance & Governance:
• Prepare and review VAT calculations and submissions
• Handle income tax and provisional tax calculations
• Practical, hands‑on use of SARS eFiling
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements
• Liaise with auditors, tax consultants, and external advisors
• Operational Finance & Controls:
• Oversee debtors and creditors
• Reconcile and manage inter-company and group accounts
• Strengthen and improve financial controls, systems, and processes
• Partner with operational and production teams to drive efficiency

🎓 Qualifications & Experience:

• BCom Accounting (essential)
• Completed articles (SAICA / SAIPA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Minimum 10 years experience in a full‑function accounting role
• Proven manufacturing industry experience (non‑negotiable)
• Experience in costing, WIP, inventory, and operational finance
• Exposure to group company accounting
• Strong Excel skills and accounting system experience

🧠Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and commercial mindset
• Excellent attention to detail and problem‑solving ability
• Able to work independently and take full ownership
• Confident communicator who works well with operational teams
• Hands‑on, deadline‑driven, and solutions‑focused
• Leadership presence with the ability to guide the business forward

💼 Whats on Offer?:

• A key leadership role in a growing manufacturing business
• Opportunity to shape and lead the finance function
• High level of business exposure and impact
• Stable, long‑term opportunity
• Competitive, market‑related remuneration

If you do not receive feedback within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will be retained for future suitable opportunities.