Finance Manager: Operations at FEM

Job Description

•  FEM is seeking a highly skilled Finance Manager: Operations to lead and manage the Operational finance function. The successful candidate will ensure the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of all operational financial activities, financial controls, reconciliations, reporting, system improvements, and audit management. The activities relate to both claims and premium processes within the Operational Finance Department.
• This role is critical in safeguarding financial integrity, supporting regulatory compliance, driving continuous improvement, and providing strong leadership within the finance team.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Overseeing, reviewing, and approving bank payment releases with strict adherence to internal controls.
• Preparing and reviewing monthly journals, trial balance reconciliations, and other month-end processing.
• Preparing and reviewing Income Statement and Balance Sheet reconciliations.
• Preparing monthly management reports with variance analysis and commentary.
• Preparing and reviewing quarterly statutory and regulatory reports.
• Liaise with IT on system fixes, enhancements, and process automation.
• Coordinate internal and external audit requests and close audit findings timeously.
• Reviewing and verifying operational approvals in line with SOPs, legislation, and internal controls.
• Preparing and reviewing the Operational budget and assessing actual financial results to budget.
• Leading, developing, and mentoring the operational finance team to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Supporting other projects payments-related assessments.

 Education Requirements:

• BCom Accounting (or equivalent) with Honours and more than 7 years Finance experience, or
• CA(SA) with at least 4 years post-articles experience

Other Requirements:

• Strong understanding of accounting principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Knowledge of internal controls, and financial reporting
• Experience in a financial services or insurance industry
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (Sage, SAP, Pastel, etc.)
• Working knowledge of IFRS and regulatory frameworks
• Experience in automation and process improvement initiatives

Key Competencies:

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Leadership and team development capability
• Strong organisational and planning abilities
• Ethical, accountable, and committed to governance excellence
• Previous management experience will be advantageous