- An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and strategic Financial Manager in East London, to join a dynamic multi-site operation. We are seeking a driven finance professional with strong commercial acumen, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to oversee complex financial operations while partnering with management to drive business growth and profitability.
Minimum Requirements and Skills:
- Completed BCom in Accounting / Financial Management.
- CA(SA), CIMA, or similar qualification will be highly advantageous.
- 5–8+ years' experience in a Financial Management role within a commercial environment.
- Previous management/supervisory experience is essential.
- Automotive / motor dealership experience highly preferred.
- Experience managing multi-branch or multi-entity operations.
- Knowledge of Dealer Management Systems such as Kerridge, Automate, or similar.
- Experience with ERP and accounting software.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Valid driver's licence.
Key Competencies
- Strong business and financial acumen.
- Strategic thinking ability.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proven leadership and people management capabilities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptable and resilient.
- High levels of integrity, trustworthiness, and confidentiality.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Management and Reporting
- Oversee the full accounting function across all sites.
- Prepare and review monthly management accounts per branch.
- Prepare and review consolidated financial reports.
- Conduct variance analysis against budgets.
- Ensure timely and accurate balance sheet reconciliations.
- Review income statements and cash flow reports.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process across all operations.
- Prepare rolling forecasts and financial projections.
- Analyse revenue, gross profit percentages, expenses, and margins.
- Provide financial insights to improve profitability across sites.
Multi-Site Financial Control
- Implement and maintain standard financial controls across all branches.
- Ensure consistency in accounting policies, cost allocations, and financial procedures.
- Conduct periodic branch visits and internal audits.
Operational Financial Oversight
- Monitor and review key financial indicators, including:
- Vehicle sales profitability (new and used vehicles).
- Parts and service department margins.
- Floorplan financing and related interest costs.
- Vehicle stock days.
- Workshop chargeable hours.
- Additional responsibilities include:
- Managing reporting and compliance requirements.
- Reviewing stock controls and vehicle floorplan management.
Compliance and Governance
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and tax regulations.
- Oversee annual financial statements, independent reviews, and audits.
- Manage audit processes from a group perspective.
- Ensure branches respond to audit queries timeously.
- Review and authorise adjusting journal entries.
Cash Flow and Working Capital Management
- Monitor and manage debtors and creditors across all sites.
- Ensure timely collection of outstanding debtors.
- Manage interbranch debtors and creditors and ensure balancing across locations and entities.
- Implement adequate controls and consistent accounting treatment across the group.
- Focus on accuracy and timely collection of workshop warranty and insurance debtors.
- Monitor cash flow and liquidity requirements.
- Optimise working capital and reduce financial risk.
Creditors Management
- Ensure adequate controls are maintained across the group.
- Standardise procurement procedures and ensure compliance with company policies.
Cash Flow and Banking
- Review, authorise, and release payments.
- Manage cash flow requirements across the organisation.
- Authorise banking and payment profile changes where required.
- Manage floorplan facilities, reconciliations, cash flow impact, and credit utilisation.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead and mentor a team of approximately 20 employees.
- Oversee branch accountants and finance administration staff.
- Ensure accountability and performance standards are maintained.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
- Identify training and development needs.
- Manage disciplinary processes where required.
- Coordinate team meetings and team-building initiatives.
Strategic and Operational Support
- Partner with operational leadership teams.
- Provide financial guidance on pricing, margins, and profitability.
- Conduct ROI analysis on new business initiatives.
- Support business expansion, acquisitions, and restructuring projects.
Additional Areas of Responsibility
- Employment Equity
- Liaise with compliance teams and attend relevant meetings.
Vehicle Sales Administration
- Ensure integration with accounting functions and monitor financial controls.
- Monitor performance and ensure adequate staff training.
Insurance
- Approve insurance claims and ensure timely resolution and settlement.
- Provide information for annual insurance renewals.
SARS
- Review and authorise statutory submissions.
- Manage SARS audits and queries.
Financial Controls
- Oversee controls relating to debtors, fixed assets, inventory, procurement, creditors, and workshop WIP.
Reporting
- Review trial balances and general ledger reconciliations.
- Ensure month-end deadlines are achieved.
- Produce monthly management accounts.
- Attend and report at executive meetings.
- Submit required statistical reporting.
Commissions
- Review commission structures and calculations.
- Calculate and submit management incentives.
Information Technology
- Approve user access and hardware requests.
- Ensure effective utilisation of company equipment.
FIC & Legal
- Manage reporting obligations and audits.
- Ensure regulatory information remains accurate and current.
- Liaise with legal teams regarding business matters.
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