Financial Manager I at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary    

• The Financial Manager plays a pivotal role in maintaining the financial health and sustainability of the organization. Operating at a tactical level, ensuring that accounting standards and discipline is maintained, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This position acts as a bridge between field operations, head office, and external stakeholders, contributing to value creation and transparent financial reporting.

Minimum Requirements    

• Minimum qualification: B.Com Accounting
• CA?(SA) qualification and SAICA registration
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification or post-articles experience
• Strong working knowledge of IFRS and South African tax legislation

Duties & Responsibilities    

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead budgeting, forecasting activities.
• Manage working capital: Debtors, Creditors, Stock, and Cashbook.
• Produce and analyse weekly flashes and align them with operational inputs and approved budgets.
• Prepare and present Operational and Capex Budgets in collaboration with operations.
• Maintain accurate asset registers and financial records.

Forecasting & Period-End Close

• Analyse and consolidate monthly forecasting inputs.
• Manage month-end processes: revenue, costs, provisions, and accruals.
• Submit monthly reports on working capital to Finance Shared Services.

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure adherence to accounting standards, company policies, and country-specific legislation.
• Liaise with auditors and regulators to ensure full compliance.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks (e.g., pricing, input cost volatility, weather events).
• Manage financial audits and implement actions from audit findings.
• Maintain internal controls to protect company assets and prevent fraud.

Cash Flow & Cost Control

• Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring operational liquidity.
• Provide cost-saving recommendations and monitor actual vs. budget performance.

Strategic Projects & Systems

• Support planning and financial oversight of key strategic projects.
• Drive the adoption of financial systems and digital tools for accuracy and decision-making.
• Assist with system implementations that reduce financial risk.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on compliance and excellence.
• Act as the primary financial contact for government bodies, banks, suppliers, and customers.

Competencies & Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights for forecasting and reporting.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in period-end close processes, compliance documentation, and financial reports.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of accounting standards, internal controls, and country-specific legislation.
• Risk Management: Skilled in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial and operational risks.
• Communication: Effectively liaises with auditors, regulators, and cross-functional teams to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in financial systems, digital tools, and system implementation to support automation and accuracy.
• Leadership: Capable of mentoring teams, fostering a culture of compliance, and driving continuous improvement.
• Cost Control: Experienced in analysing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and recommending cost-saving initiatives.
• Problem-Solving: Adept at resolving issues arising from financial discrepancies, audit findings, or process inefficiencies.

Technical & Soft Skills:

• Accounting Systems / Tools: Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g. SAGE X 3, QlikView) and advanced MS?Excel. 
• Analytical Skillset: Strong numerical, variance, and data analytics capabilities. 
• Attention to Detail: Accurate financial reporting and audit-readiness
• Communication & Collaboration: Able to prepare board/management packs, liaise with auditors, departments, SARS, and mentor finance staff. 

Closing Date    

• 2025/11/13