Assistant Finance Manager (Fourways) at Leroy Merlin

Purpose of the role

• The Assistant Finance Manager will support the Finance Manager in managing the company’s end-to-end finance function, ensuring efficient day-to-day financial operations, compliance with accounting standards, and delivery of accurate financial information.
• The role includes hands-on involvement in transaction processing, month-end closing, and cash flow management, while also providing leadership to the finance team and partnering with operational managers to drive profitability in the retail environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Day-to-Day Finance Operations

• Oversee daily financial processes including invoicing, payments, receipts, reconciliations, and petty cash management.
• Monitor banking activities and ensure sufficient cash flow for operational requirements.
• Ensure proper capturing and recording of all transactions in the ERP system.
• Resolve finance-related queries from internal departments and external stakeholders promptly.

Financial Reporting & Month-End

• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Support the Finance Manager with budget preparation, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly.
• Assist with year-end financial statements and audit preparations.
• Be the lead on External and Internal Audits.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with IFRS, company policies, and statutory obligations (VAT, Income Tax, etc.).
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Prepare documentation and liaise with auditors during internal and external audits.

Retail Financial Operations

• Monitor store-level performance reports, including sales, gross margins, and operating costs.
• Analyse trends in shrinkage, wastage, and inventory variances, recommending corrective action.
• Partner with store managers and operations teams to improve cost efficiency.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team to achieve departmental goals.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
• Ensure effective work allocation and continuity during absences.

Strategic & Project Support

• Assist in financial modelling and business case development for retail projects.
• Lead system developments, improvements and automation initiatives.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis to support operational decision-making.

Operational Performance

• Uphold strict and effective quality measures within the business ensuring that the requirements of relevant legislation are always met, eg VAT, BEE, etc.
• Ensure that if there are internal or external escalations, that the escalations happen as quickly as possible and with all relevant information.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completed Accounting or Finance Degree.
• Completed SAICA articles (eligible to register as CA(SA) advantageous).
• Minimum 3 years’ post-articles experience (Retail or FMCG preferred).
• Demonstrated experience managing a finance team.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and South African tax legislation.

Skills you bring:

• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems, including managing interfaces.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration