Finance Manager at TBWA\ South Africa

Primary Responsibility

• Analyses, interprets and reports accounting records viz budget data, costing, financial statements, revenue management etc. 

Purpose of the Role

• To provide professional accounting and reporting services to the company and clients

Key Responsibilities

• Business Management
• Ensure billings are run (20th to 25th of the month, dependent on w/e falls)
• Maintenance and control of Financial Accounting records
• Responsible for reconciliation and clearing of all balance sheet accounts
• Reconciliation of inter-company loan accounts which need to be settled monthly
• Responsible for monthly accrual of expenses not yet accounted for
• Monitoring of leases
• Preparation and review of VAT returns and any royalty fees, media fees, etc.
• Financial reporting - Ledger close, review and postings of journals, final Trial Balance
• Preparation of required financial statements and reports which include the compilation and analysis of data required for the preparation of specialised monthly, quarterly and annual reports
• Oversee and manage cash management records, including funds drawn and received, etc.
• Monitor and forecast revenues and expenditures as well as direct the preparation of financial reports of the expenditures and revenues, monitors and forecasts budget activity and initiates expenditure control methods as necessary
• Review and approve purchases and contracts in conjunction with Managing Director and Operations Director
• Responsible for reinforcing internal controls with subordinates as well as ensuring that rules, regulations and procedures are adhered to as related to the accounting process.
• Participates, with the guidance of the Group CFO and Group FM, in the development of new accounting techniques as well as in the design and implementation of accounting subsystems.
• Consults with employees, internal managers, external auditors or other stakeholders to provide and obtain information on complex issues
• Develop understanding of profitability of projects and provide responsible feedback
• Prepare monthly balance sheets, and profit & loss statements
• Prepare documentation required for financial year-end and annual audit, including the primary review of auditor output.
• Maintain tax files
• Working capital management
• Maintenance of fixed asset register
• Liaise with the bank  Ensure BEE supp

Client Service

•  Ensure client facing employees have access to information to aid in the billing process
•  Ensure all departments and managers have access to information required in a user friendly, efficient manner
•  Advise where issues may arise in relation to procedures
•  Aid in the interpretation of the profitability and financial status of clients and projects
•  Continually review client and agency requirements and assess delivery against them, improving procedures where possible.

People

• To develop skills and knowledge within yourself through on the job development and active participation in the agency
• Provide feedback to the Group FM regarding improvements that could be made to the department and the company
• Create clear development plans for yourself and set out to achieve your goals
• Responsible for managing, supporting and developing financial assistant/s and ensuring delivery on KPIs
• Review work performed by the work unit / team, for accuracy, quantity, timeliness and adherence to prescribed procedures and prepares reports of subordinate activity which is reviewed by Group FM
• Trains and counsels subordinates in work procedures, policies and regulations

Key Skills, Knowledge & Experience

•  With appropriate Matric  BComm. or BComm Honours an advantage
•  At least 5 yrs financial accounting experience, with minimum of 3 years as Financial Manager
•  Excellent financial skills
•  Excellent organisational ability
•  Previous experience in managing staff preferred