Finance Manager at SoluGrowth Pty Ltd

Job purpose:

• To manage the full financial function of the abattoir operations, including financial planning, budgeting, reporting, cost control, and compliance. The role involves strategic financial management, implementation of risk mitigation measures, and ensuring financial sustainability, compliance, and operational efficiency in a high-volume, regulated environment.

Principle Accountabilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the full financial function including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and month-end/year-end processes.
• Compile, analyse and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process in collaboration with operational departments.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis and commentary.
• Assist senior management in making informed business decisions through accurate financial data and insights.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial, statutory and tax regulations (including SARS, SARB, and DOL requirements).
• Co-ordinate internal and external audit processes and ensure resolution of audit findings.
• Manage all aspects of statutory reporting and tax compliance.
• Identify and implement financial risk mitigation strategies.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Apply commercial and financial expertise to support profitability, growth, and operational expansion.
• Develop and implement cost control measures, including Capex and Opex oversight.
• Investigate opportunities to improve profitability through financial modelling, margin analysis, and operational efficiencies.
• Participate in cross-functional strategic planning, especially around operational scaling and system optimisation.

Systems & Process Management

• Maintain and optimise accounting systems and ERP platforms.
• Drive implementation of new financial systems or software as needed.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data across systems.

Credit Control & Treasury

• Oversee the credit control function including new account approval and credit risk evaluation.
• Manage foreign exchange exposure and cash flow planning.
• Support export administration with SARS and SARB compliance.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Responsible for and accountable for the Finance Team
• Live the Company values and lead by example.

Work in collaboration with the HR to:

• Capacitate the team through recruiting the right skills and training/development
• On-board/ induct new employees
• Manage performance and ensure all employees have a development plan.
• Recognise and reward high performance.
• Drive change as required.
• Initiate Disciplinary action as required.
• Manage staff leave.
• Maximize employee productivity through the use of multi-skilling, multitasking, and flexible scheduling to meet the financial goals of the business as well as the expectations of the guests.
• Ensure clear delegation of responsibilities and effective internal controls.
• On a monthly basis monitor the financial performance and pro-actively intervene when so required.
• Collaborate with operations, HR, and executive/head office management to align financial strategy with business goals.

Ad Hoc Duties

• Adhere to all relevant laws, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the organisation.
• Lead or support efficiency improvement projects as assigned.
• Stay abreast of market trends and best practices in financial management

Problem Solving

• Strategic Financial Analysis: Applies financial acumen to identify trends, risks, and opportunities that influence profitability and operational efficiency. Decision-Making Under Pressure: Makes timely and informed decisions in highstakes or fast-paced environments, balancing risk and reward effectively.
• Compliance Navigation: Interprets complex regulatory and statutory requirements (e.g., SARS, SARB, DOL) and ensures full compliance across financial activities.
• Operational Cost Control: Identifies cost inefficiencies and implements corrective actions to reduce waste and optimise budgets.
• Forecasting and Planning: Solves forecasting and cash flow challenges through accurate modelling and scenario analysis.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Resolves interdepartmental financial issues by aligning diverse operational needs with financial controls and business goals.
• Crisis Management: Manages financial and operational disruptions (e.g., audit findings, cash shortfalls) with composure and practical solutions.
• System and Process Improvement: Identifies gaps in ERP systems or workflow inefficiencies and leads initiatives to streamline and automate finance functions.
• Team Capacity Building: Resolves performance or skills gaps in the finance team through training, mentoring, and process realignment.

Job requirements

• Matric
• Degree in Financial Management/Accounting or equivalent qualification
• CA (SA) Qualification
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a financial leadership role within a manufacturing, agricultural, or FMCG environment.
• Prior exposure to abattoir, agri-processing, or food manufacturing sectors is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of IFRS and tax legislation.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAGE, XERO).
• Advanced MS Excel and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of cost accounting and inventory management
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Business acumen and problem-solving
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ethical conduct and professional integrity Ability to communicate effectively at all levels

Behaviours

• Analytical
• Strategic Thinking
• Ethical Behaviour
• Excellence Orientation
• Professionalism
• Stress Management Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organisational Awareness
• Self-Confidence
• Personal Drive
• Attention To Detail
• Results Focused