Commercial Finance Manager (JHB North) at Aspen Pharma Group

OBJECTIVE OF ROLE 

• Execute the SA Commercial Finance Functions with direct responsibility for preparing, analyzing and submitting accurate, useful financial reports to key stakeholders in the business on time and in full. The role supports decision making in line with company’s strategic objectives with a focus on maximizing profitability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Month-end Close and Reporting:

Analysis, Reporting and Management of:

• Sales (including discounts, dealing and rebates), COGS and Gross Profit
• Operating Expenses
• Accruals and Provisions including applicable balance sheet reconciliation and management
• Journal preparation and posting

Analyzing and explaining all variances to Budget, Forecast and Prior Year by (where appropriate):

• Brand
• Customer
• Division etc.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Annual Budget, Five Year Plan and Quarterly Forecast Processes
• Facilitate Budget, Forecast & Five-Year model processes
• Prepare and maintain calculation templates including loading and analyzing calculated values (e.g. Log Fees, Distribution Fees, Trade Expenditure)
• Price, volume mix analysis
• Detailed review analysis and explanation of all Income Statement lines
• Insightful reporting on variances
• Input into Budget presentation pack
• Address queries timeously
• Projects and Business Partnering:

Ad hoc tasks to be performed in line:
with applicable policies and levels of authority
Pricing:

• Selling prices
• Discounts & Dealing
• COGS
• Review and critically analyse New Product Launch P&L statements with reference to marketing plans and other input from the business
• Facilitate robust Brand Plan processes, including template development, maintenance, and management by working closely with appropriate stakeholders
• Support the Business Heads and their teams in preparing for quarterly brand and performance reviews by providing templates, information, and meaningful analysis
• Provide day-to-day financial support and training to the business
• Address ad hoc queries (including internal and external audit requirements)
• Perform ROI analysis
• Review and sign off commission calculations
• Projects as assigned
• Perform designated approval function in line with approvals framework
• Identify and document risks and opportunities
• Third-party reporting in line with contractual requirements
• Process flow improvements
• Ensure transactions are accounted for in line with IFRS
• Ensure adequate financial controls are designed and implemented for the respective business units
• Ensure that reports are balanced between systems and supporting documents
• Review, approve, and update SOPs from a financial control perspective

Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric / Grade 12
• CA(SA) or CIMA

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3 years working experience in a commercial finance environment, post articles
• Prior experience in the interpretation and use of accounting standards and the Companies Act
• Pharmaceutical / FMCG industry experience / exposure preferred

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Effective planning, organising and co-ordinating skills to prioritise tasks, manage projects and deliver high quality work under pressure
• Highly numerate
• Excellent analytical skills (Scenario analysis) and attention to detail
• Logical reasoning
• Results driven
• Problem solving and decision making
• Commercial and strategic awareness
• Independent and self-directed individual who can drive execution.
• Effective interpersonal skills and able to influence people and decisions
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Management Accounting & Analysis
• Financial Accounting (IFRS)
• Knowledge of Master Data Management (MDM) principles

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

• MS Office
• Advanced Excel (Financial Modelling preferred)
• ERP systems (SAP advantageous)