Internal Control Manager at Danone

To maximize return on financial assets and manage the business in a secure, sustainable and efficient way by establishing and monitoring adherence to, financial and internal control policies, procedures and reporting systems. Know and apply internal control methodologies and lead the deployment of internal controls in the CBU.

Key areas of responsibility

Financial Processing and Reconciliations

• Responsible for accurate accounting for subsidiary in South Africa. Preparation of the monthly consolidation journals.
• Compliance with South Africa statutory requirements
• On time payment of statutory liabilities
• Authorising payments - only valid company expenditure paid, supported by appropriately authorized valid SARS invoices and creditor reconciliations. Cheque signatory and payment authorizer

Financial Administration

• Key SAP user and support for Accounts Payable team
• Maintain and improve internal control environment - Application of good practices, safeguarding of assets, effective and efficient operating environment and improved internal control ratings

Customer Relationship Management

• Liaise with, and provide support to, internal auditors. All audit requirements provided per DANgo ratings and matrix
• Liaise with, and provide support to, external auditors. Provide all required information and adequately address E&Y management comments
• Liaise with, and build relationships with, lawyers and consultants in South Africa

Reporting

• Preparation and completion of monthly Magnitude reporting for South Africa
• Co-ordinate management responses to Group internal audit reports and provide feedback
• Complete and submit quarterly Emerging Markets Reporting to Group
• Month end controls - run month end control reports from SAP, review and challenge manual / other transactions that are out of the ordinary, review duplicate invoices, maintenance of accounting periods etc.

Internal Control

• Drive the internal control process / DANgo Coordinate DANgo and ensure it is visible throughout the CBU Lead DANgo Governance Committees in the CBU and ensure business process coordination with all operational functions (sales, marketing, supply chain, etc.) Coordinate DANgo fundamentals for Mayo
• Coordination and management of internal control audit processes in order to contribute to the process efficiency / business performance
• Training of Business Process Owners (BPCYs)
• Take organizational and IT changes and control risks into account to redesign effective internal controls / procedures accordingly to mitigate risks and improve controls.
• Improvement of DANgo ratings and DICE deficiencies annually dependant on targets set.
• Ensure high level of Internal Control in the CBU by increasing Internal Control awareness.
• Document processes and controls or help in the documentation of process and controls
• Improve the design of internal control through simplification / homogeneization
• Perform annual ST risk mapping Vestalis annual risk mapping in DANgo; DICE deficiencies and reporting in DANgo
• Drive Danone Way Improvement in annual rating; Improvement of compliance with Group Danone Way policies; Ensure strong coordination with HR
• Physical assets in care of Finance Monthly review of cell phone, fleet car and 3g reconciliation by Finance PA and periodic checks of counts.
• Presentations on an ad-hoc basis at EXCO regards identification of top risks, addressing these risks, internal control updates, fraud awareness etc.
• Ensure segregation of duties throughout the business with regards to SAP role assignment and sensitive transactions and co-ordinate with IT
• Ensure maintenance of SAP users i.e. adding new users and removing users timeously when required and coordinate with IT.

Continuous Improvement

• Prepare CI dashboard and actively manage continuous improvement with CBS Finance.

Compliance

• Actively monitoring and tracking identified actions

Academic Trade And Qualifications

• CA (SA) with 3 years post articles experience
• Big 4 articles with exposure to internal controls compliance an advantage
• FMCG experience an advantage

Working Experience And Skills

• Demonstrate good attention to detail
• Strong IT literacy with good MS Excel, MS Word and MS Power point skills and a solid understanding of accounting software principles and user administration
• skills
• Sound SAP knowledge an advantage o Sound knowledge of accounting principles, controls and procedures
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end / year end closing procedures
• Experience with preparing and reviewing management accounts and statutory financial statements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong exposure to Costing / Pricing
• Strong commercial acumen

Personal characteristics and behavioral traits

• Proven team player with leadership skills including the ability to coach and energise others
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to support, advise and influence managers from different parts of the business whilst providing strong financial and internal control where necessary
• Critical thinking and good analytical skills
• Hands-on approach and proven ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Strong presentation skills to large audiences