Finance Manager at MECS (Pty) Ltd

• An established industrial business is seeking an experienced Financial Manager to oversee its financial operations, strengthen financial controls, and provide strategic commercial support to senior management.
• The successful candidate will oversee financial reporting, cash flow management, budgeting, procurement, supplier and customer accounts, inventory control, and compliance. This is a hands-on, commercially focused role requiring a strong understanding of financial management and business operations. The position is based in Johannesburg, with regular travel to an operational site in Mpumalanga.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee month-end and year-end financial close processes, including journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and management accounts.
• Prepare accurate financial reports, analyse business performance, and provide insights to support management decisions.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital to ensure sufficient liquidity.
• Lead annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with other departments.
• Manage foreign exchange exposure and identify opportunities to minimise financial risk.
• Maintain the fixed asset register, depreciation schedules, and capital expenditure reporting.
• Oversee employee share ownership scheme (ESOP) accounting, valuations, distributions, and related administration.

Commercial Finance and Business Support

• Provide financial and commercial support to senior management on business performance, investment decisions, and growth opportunities.
• Review customer and supplier contracts, assess commercial terms, and support contract negotiations and renewals.
• Develop financial models, business cases, and investment analyses for proposed projects and commercial opportunities.
• Monitor pricing structures and calculate customer price adjustments where required.
• Oversee customer prepayment and rebate reconciliations, ensuring accurate billing and revenue recognition.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, streamline processes, and increase operational efficiency.
• Coordinate business risk assessments, insurance matters, and risk mitigation initiatives.

Procurement and Supplier Management

• Oversee supplier onboarding, supplier master data, and verification of tax and B-BBEE documentation.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies, budgets, and financial controls.
• Review supplier contracts, credit applications, and payment terms.
• Monitor purchase orders, supplier invoices, delivery documentation, and three-way matching.
• Manage supplier payments, creditor reconciliations, and the resolution of account discrepancies.
• Provide financial oversight and support to the procurement function.
• Review and reconcile inbound transport costs and other procurement-related expenses.

Sales, Debtors and Customer Management

• Oversee accurate invoicing for local and export customers, including the relevant export documentation.
• Manage debtor collections, customer account reconciliations, and monthly statements.
• Oversee customer onboarding, financial due diligence, and the establishment of appropriate trading terms.
• Assess customer credit applications, review credit limits, and ensure adherence to credit policies.
• Work with sales and operational teams to resolve billing queries and improve collection performance.

Inventory and Operational Cost Management

• Oversee inventory costing, stock receipting, and the accuracy of inventory records.
• Review standard costing and monitor cost variances.
• Manage stock control processes, including consumables, bulk stock, and packaging materials.
• Ensure regular stock counts and reconciliations are completed, with discrepancies investigated and resolved.
• Work with operational teams to improve cost control, inventory accuracy, and overall efficiency.

Compliance, Audit and Governance

• Ensure compliance with VAT, tax legislation, financial reporting requirements, and internal policies.
• Coordinate external audit processes and maintain accurate, audit-ready financial records.
• Oversee the company's B-BBEE strategy, expenditure tracking, and annual verification or certification process.
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure financial risks are appropriately identified and managed.

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring accountability and high-quality output.
• Monitor performance, establish priorities, and ensure financial deadlines are consistently met.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, supply chain, and operational teams.
• Present financial updates and recommendations to senior management and participate in cross-functional business meetings.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ financial management experience in a similar role.
• CIMA, CA(SA), or an equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous.
• Strong proficiency in Sage accounting software and financial reporting systems.
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial controls.
• Experience in commercial finance, financial modelling, pricing, and contract reviews.
• Good understanding of procurement processes, accounts payable and receivable, credit management, and inventory controls.
• Knowledge of VAT, tax compliance, external audits, and B-BBEE requirements.
• Previous experience leading and developing a finance team.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to interpret financial information and translate it into practical business recommendations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight reporting deadlines.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, improving processes, and driving efficiencies.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.