Financial Operations Manager at Sun International

Job Purpose

• The Financial Operations Manager for Sun Vacation Club will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the business unit’s financial performance, financial controls, fiscal discipline and finance team with specific regard to achieving business profitability and improving financial operational standards, in line with industry regulations; legislative requirements and Sun standards.

Key Performance Areas

• Understand business strategy and budgets and align Unit objectives and targets accordingly
• Develop objectives for the Unit’s finance deliverables
• Facilitate the management and achievement of Financial deliverables
• Direct financial analyses and benchmark with leading financial trends and practice
• Identify and investigate new financial opportunities to increase revenues or create efficiencies for the property
• Collaborate with stakeholders to initiative and manage projects to improve financial results for the property
• Direct risk analyses i.t.o impact on short term profit margins vs. long term sustainability
• Compile and manage a risk register for the business unit according to group and unit standards
• Co-ordinate internal and external financial audits
• Oversee and manage the Financial reporting on projects and initiatives
• Review financial risks (on Risk Register) quarterly and implement mitigating controls 
• Communicate with all relevant internal stakeholders at unit and Group level as well as external stakeholders
• Manage and allocate people and operational resources  for the department to deliver financial objectives and results
• Align strategies with BBBEE transformational strategies which contribute towards targets being achieved for the business unit and group
• Integrates Group standards into Unit Operations
• Develop, align and update practices with new legislative and tax regulations 
• Monitor compliance to financial procedures, costs, controls and productivities
• Continuous focus on improving processes within the unit
• Complete relevant statutory returns that fall outside the scope of Sun Vacation Club
• Complete Annual Insurance declaration accurately according to unit financial position and requirements
• Lodge liability claims and follow up to ensure resolution according to legal and policy requirements
• Communicate standards and regulations with team to ensure compliance is achieved
• Oversee the recording and delivery of financial transactions for all financial functions on the property to ensure the financial position of the unit is accurate and up-to-date
• Investigate unusual variances relative to budget and previous year 
• Conduct an analysis of business results and identify relative trends to ensure realistic forecasts
• Find solutions to resolve anomalies and follow-up to ensure execution or change in procedure
• Compile monthly and quarterly forecasts
• Compile annual Budgets, forecasts & controls 
• Provide commentary on management accounts
• Motivate and manage Capex requirements 
• Manage stock control and stock management processes
• Manage Procurement processes and relationships to ensure monitoring and tracking of price movements to minimize input cost fluctuations.
• Approve Purchase Requisitions for the unit based on approval limits
• Approval of bad debt write-offs.
• Interpret results and commentary on financial results
• Provide value-adding recommendations to optimise financial performance (with regards product, process and practices).
• Compile and provide board packs, reports in line with Industry Board and management requirements that assists stakeholders in making relevant decisions
• Lead and motivate financial employees and promote positive working relationships, direction and support
• Lead and oversee departmental communication ensuring employee and management interaction
• Measure and develop strategies to enhance employee engagement
• Identify and manage training, coaching and development requirements in line with strategic plans, e.g. skills shortages, succession plans, talent management
• Ensure competent levels of staff meet operational level requirements (right fit for the job)
• Source and Select talent as per EE plan to build the future food and beverage talent pipeline
• Performance Manage and coach reporting managers to ensure KPA’s are achieved
• Manage employee relations within the unit financial function (meetings - formalised, minuted with issues addressed)
• Act as the SME on Financial statutory legislation and tax requirements for the business unit
• Communicate actively with Business Operations, HR and Finance to review cross-departmental impacts and reconcile data
• Communicate with Group Finance and report on revenue and financial position as required
• Ensure management and financial reporting for the Business unit achieves statutory requirements and timelines
• Interact with Business Partners and suppliers to deliver efficient procurement standards
• Negotiate and reach agreements with service providers and business partners
• Monitor financial performance of various departments and consult with Functional Managers on results and areas of concern
• Report and consult with top management on risk areas and remedial action to be taken
• Present results to top and Group management 

Job Requirements

Education

• Grade 12/ Matric
• B com Honours (CTA) with Articles or equivalent
• Registration as a Chartered Accountant an advantage

Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in a general financial management environment
• Experience in a hospitality environment an advantage

Skills and Knowledge

• Deciding
• Evaluating information (Analysing; Conceptualising)
• Taking action (Initiating; Improving; Influencing; Taking ownership; Provide direction; Delegating)
• Controlling (risks, results and relationships)
• Integrating (collaborating; consulting; managing conflict)
• Influencing (Leading People; Informing; communicating; Coaching)
• Applying expertise and technology
• Maintaining focus
• Emotional maturity
• Financial & Business Acumen
• Knowledge of statutory legal and tax requirements
• Strong technical knowledge including IFRS developments
• Strong knowledge of accounting systems
• Timeshare and hospitality industry knowledge
• Team Planning
• Product & Trend Analysis
• Stock control
• Proficiency in MS Office
• IFS Finance an advantage
• Keep abreast of new developments in the financial and tax fields