Commercial Management Accountant at Lactalis South Africa

Job Description    

• Our company is seeking a highly skilled Commercial Financial Manager with experience in FMCG to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing financial analysis and forecasting for the commercial aspects of our business. You will work closely with the sales, marketing, and operations teams to provide critical financial insights and analysis to support decision-making and drive profitable growth.

Required Skills    

• Minimum B Com (Hons) or CIMA.
• Experience in a Commercial environment.
• Knowledge of BPCS System or similar ERP System and Reporting Tools.
• Preference to experience within the Dairy Industry.
• At least 5 years post qualification experience in a financial function.
• Collaborative Management Style.
• A resilient individual with excellent interpersonal and clear communication skills (English & Afrikaans).
• Customer oriented, assertiveness and problem-solving skills.
• Result driven, business acumen and good decision-making as well as strong leadership skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Advanced MS Office skills (Excel & Powerpoint).

Duties & Responsibilities    
Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide insights into the financial health of the organization, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Collaborate with various departments to develop annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor budgetary performance, analyze deviations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist in the development of long-term financial plans to support strategic objectives.

Cost Management:

• Analyze costs drivers in the Overheads area.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Implement cost control measures and monitor their effectiveness.

Financial Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards.
• Collaborate with auditors to facilitate internal and external audits.
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard financial assets.

Variance Analysis:

• Investigate and explain variances between budgeted and actual financial results.
• Work closely with operational teams to understand the drivers behind financial performance discrepancies.
• Make recommendations for adjustments or improvements based on variance analysis.

Management Reporting:

• Prepare financial reports for management, highlighting key performance indicators.
• Provide insightful commentary on financial results, offering recommendations for strategic decision-making.
• Develop customized reports based on management's specific informational needs.

Business Partnering:

• Collaborate with various departments and business units to understand their financial needs.
• Act as a strategic partner, providing financial insights to support decision-making.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to drive business performance improvements.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance efficiency.
• Implement best practices in financial management and reporting.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and changes in accounting standards.

Ad-hoc Analysis and Projects:

• Undertake special financial analysis projects as needed.
• Provide financial support for strategic initiatives and business development projects.
• Respond to management inquiries and provide ad-hoc financial information as required.