Financial Manager at Robert Walters

• A leading manufacturing organisation in Johannesburg is seeking a Financial Manager to join their Senior Management Team. This role offers you the opportunity to oversee all finance and related functions, ensuring the financial wellbeing of the company from both operational and strategic perspectives. You will be responsible for managing a substantial budget and a dedicated team, playing a pivotal part in shaping the future direction of the business. The organisation values collaboration, dependability, and supportive leadership, providing an inclusive environment where your expertise will be recognised and nurtured. With flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and ongoing training available, this is an ideal position for someone looking to make a meaningful impact within a reputable manufacturing setting. * Join a respected manufacturing organisation as part of the Senior Management Team, overseeing finance operations and strategy with significant influence on business outcomes. * Benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous pension contributions, and continuous professional development opportunities that support your growth and wellbeing. * Work collaboratively with experienced professionals in an inclusive environment where your knowledge and skills are valued, contributing to both local and group objectives.

What you'll do:

As Financial Manager, you will play a central role in guiding the financial health of the organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing a team of six direct reports while overseeing a substantial budget. You will prepare detailed management accounts each month, ensuring all reporting is completed accurately and delivered on time. Your expertise in posting accounting entries such as accruals and prepayments will be crucial for maintaining compliance. Balance sheet reconciliations will require your attention to detail as you collaborate across departments on various projects. Analysing financial data will be key as you present insights to senior leaders. Cashflow planning will demand your careful oversight; you’ll drive accounts receivable efforts while managing payables to optimise working capital. Budgeting and forecasting activities will see you coordinating across teams to deliver robust financial plans. You’ll manage external audits with professionalism, oversee asset management processes including stock counts alongside Operations, and ensure ERP system integrity. Project accounting responsibilities will require you to analyse costing systems thoroughly. Compliance with statutory requirements is essential; you’ll reconcile payments to authorities such as SARS or pension funds promptly. As part of the Senior Management Team, you’ll contribute actively to operational and strategic objectives aligned with both local needs and Group directives.

• Manage the Financial Department both operationally and strategically to achieve all organisational objectives while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Supervise Financial Department employees and resources to ensure targets are met through supportive leadership and effective resource planning.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and relevant reports, delivering timely updates to the Group finance team to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Post monthly accruals, prepayments, and similar accounting entries with accuracy, ensuring compliance with best practices.
• Complete, review, and sign off balance sheet reconciliations at month end while collaborating with wider teams on cross-functional projects.
• Lead analysis of monthly and quarterly financial numbers, presenting findings to the Managing Director, Senior Management Team, and Group stakeholders.
• Plan cashflow meticulously and report regularly to Group; drive accounts receivable processes while managing accounts payable and working capital efficiently.
• Take charge of annual budgeting processes as well as weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasting activities; report results comprehensively.
• Manage the annual external audit process by acting as the first point of contact for auditors and ensuring all requirements are met promptly.
• Oversee asset management within the company including regular WIP and stock counts together with Operations; ensure accurate stock valuation on ERP systems.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for Financial Manager brings extensive experience gained from at least five years in financial management roles within manufacturing settings. Your background includes senior leadership positions where you have fostered teamwork through supportive guidance. You possess advanced qualifications such as CA(SA), BCom (Hons) in Accounting or Financial Management, complemented by CIMA certification. Your familiarity with SAP systems allows you to navigate complex business processes seamlessly. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools supports your ability to generate detailed reports efficiently. Communication skills—both written and verbal—are essential for engaging colleagues across departments. Handling large budgets has been part of your previous roles; you understand how to plan resources effectively within finance teams. Willingness to work extra hours when needed reflects your dedication during critical periods like audits or year-end closings. Experience from engineering or manufacturing industries gives you practical insight into sector-specific challenges. Your approach is collaborative; you value inclusivity and reliability while striving for excellence in every aspect of your work.

• Minimum of five years demonstrable experience in financial management or accounting within a manufacturing environment is required for success in this role.
• At least five years’ experience in a Senior Management position where you have led teams collaboratively is essential.
• CA(SA) or BCom (Hons) in Accounting / Financial Management plus CIMA qualification are mandatory educational requirements.
• Excellent understanding of SAP systems combined with comprehensive knowledge of business processes in manufacturing environments is vital.
• Advanced computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office packages enables efficient reporting and communication.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English ensures clear communication at all levels within the organisation.
• Experience managing budgets up to R550m demonstrates your ability to handle complex financial responsibilities dependably.
• Proven track record in resource planning within a Financial Department highlights your organisational skills.
• Ability to work additional hours when necessary shows commitment to meeting expectations during peak periods.
• Experience in engineering or manufacturing environments provides valuable industry insight for this role.