Financial Manager at Unique Personnel

Job Description    

• The Financial Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial health and compliance of the business through accurate reporting, financial controls, budgeting, cash flow management, and strategic financial support — ensuring sound governance while enabling operational and commercial decision-making. In an FMCG and distribution environment, this role plays a critical part in stock control, margin management, debtor oversight, and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting 

• Prepare and present monthly management accounts 
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records 
• Oversee general ledger reconciliations and month-end processes 
• Monitor profitability, margins, and operating expenses 
• Produce cash flow forecasts and financial projections 
• Ensure compliance with IFRS/accounting standards

Cash Flow & Working Capital 

• Manage daily cash flow requirements 
• Monitor debtors and creditors aging 
• Ensure efficient working capital management 
• Oversee payment cycles and supplier reconciliations 
• Implement controls to reduce bad debts and improve collections

Compliance & Governance 

• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, and statutory requirements 
• Manage external audits and liaise with auditors 
• Maintain strong internal financial controls and policies 
• Ensure adherence to company procedures and delegated authorities

Budgeting & Forecasting 

• Lead annual budgeting processes across departments 
• Monitor budget performance and investigate variances 
• Assist department heads with financial planning and cost control  Develop rolling forecasts and scenario planning models

Inventory & Cost Control 

• Oversee inventory valuation and stock reconciliations 
• Monitor stock movement, shrinkage, write offs, and variances 
• Ensure accurate landed costing and margin calculations 
• Support warehouse and distribution controls 
• Work with operations and commercial teams on stock planning

Leadership & Commercial Support 

• Lead and develop the finance team 
• Drive accountability, accuracy, and process discipline 
• Provide financial insights to support business decisions 
• Evaluate pricing structures, rebates, and promotional spend 
• Partner with commercial and operations teams on profitability

Inherent Requirements    
Minimum Requirements

• Experience – 5–10 years' financial management experience 
• FMCG, warehousing, or distribution background advantageous 
• Experience managing finance teams 
• Strong understanding of inventory-based businesses

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field – Completed articles advantageous
• Professional qualification advantageous: CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, SAIPA

Key Performance Areas

• Accuracy and timeliness of monthly reporting
• Cash flow performance
• Debtor days and collection efficiency
• Inventory accuracy and stock variance
• control
• Budget adherence and cost management
• Audit outcomes and compliance standards
• Gross profit margin management
• Finance process improvement implementation

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel
• ERP / Accounting systems
• Financial analysis & reporting
• VAT & SA financial regulations

Competencies & Attributes

• High attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Commercially minded
• High integrity and accountability
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Process-driven and disciplined
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong business acumen