Finance Manager: Operations at Discovery Limited

Key purpose

• Assist the Senior Finance Manager: Planning & Operations in the management of the finance operations function in Vitality. The Finance Manager: Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and strong internal controls. This role manages core finance processes including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash flow, reporting, and financial systems, while supporting strategic decision-making through accurate financial data.

Key Outputs 

Financial Operations Management

• Oversee daily finance operations (accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashbook).
• Required to study and understand all relevant partner arrangements, company and group receivables and payables processes and apply them to role as well as guide team accordingly
• Required to invest time in understanding business product, processes and data relevant to perform function as well as guide team accordingly.  
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
• Monitor and report on cash flow and working capital management.
• Review reconciliations (bank, debtors, creditors, GL accounts) and attest to the accuracy and completeness thereof.
• Monthly monitoring of exception reports affecting various member and partner financial touch points and implementing controls.
• Review and approval of partner payments.
• Implementation of payment processes for new partners.

Reporting and analysis

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Support finance reporting processes.
• Provide financial insights to department heads and leadership.

Controls and compliance

• Implement and maintain strong internal financial controls.
• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, and statutory requirements.
• Coordinate external audits and manage audit deliverables.
• Ensure adherence to company financial policies and procedures.

Process improvement

• Identify and implement process efficiencies within finance operations.
• Drive automation and optimisation of financial systems.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop finance operations staff.
• Set performance objectives and conduct performance reviews.
• Provide mentorship and skills development within the team.

Stakeholder Management

• Required to form and maintain relationships with external as well as internal partners.
• Liaise with treasury, auditors, tax authorities, and external service providers.
• Support CFO/Senior Managers with strategic finance initiatives.

Competencies

• Passionate about investing time to analyse, understand and report on information and processes
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical ability
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Problem-solving and process improvement mindset
• Ability to interact with and manage various internal and external parties on various levels
• Ability to work in pressurised environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt to constant change
• Good intuition and business acumen
• Confident people person eager to create and maintain and build relations and manager stakeholders
• A strong desire for professional development and a high learning potential
• Upholds ethics and values & demonstrates integrity

Minimum requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Professional qualification preferred (e.g. SAICA, CIMA, or similar).

Experience

• 1+ years in a supervisory or management role.
• 4+ years’ experience in finance operations or accounting
• Strong understanding of South African tax regulations

Technical skills

• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP system (Sage)