Financial Manager

Financial Manager Overview: We are seeking an experienced Financial Manager with a proven track record in operational finance management, consolidations, financial statement compilation in accordance with IFRS for SMEs, taxation, payroll processing, and financial controls to join our dynamic consulting client in Centurion.

In this role, you'll oversee the day-to-day operations of the finance department to enable timely and accurate reporting to executives and the board, maintain banking relationships, process monthly payrolls, take ownership of tax planning and compliance as well as financial risk management and adherence to relevant laws and regulations and be the centre for excellence on IFRS for SMEs while leading the compilation of the annual financial statements, including the group consolidation and facilitating the annual external audit.

You will report directly to the Financial Director and lead a team of 2-4 employees.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Commerce Honours (or equivalent) in accounting / financial management with 10+ years of relevant experience.
2. Membership of a recognised professional body and completed articles is essential (SAICA preferred / SAIPA / ACCA).
3. Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
4. Power BI (advantage).

Requirements:

1. Ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines, occasional overtime.
2. Practical expertise in month-end closing processes, general ledger reconciliations, financial controls, and financial policies and procedures.
3. Expert and up-to-date knowledge of IFRS for SMEs, auditing requirements, payroll regulations, and taxation (Corporate Tax, VAT, Transfer pricing and cross-border regulations, etc.).
4. Treasury management experience (Accounts receivable, Accounts payable, Banking, Cash flow management foreign exchange, etc.).
5. Up-to-date knowledge and experience in financial statement consolidations.
6. Working knowledge of SARS e-Filing, SAGE Payroll, Xero, Draftworx / CaseWare.
7. Knowledge of / experience in the consulting industry.

Key Competencies:

1. Strong business and financial acumen.
2. Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities.
3. Leadership, interpersonal, and people management abilities.
4. High integrity, professionalism, confidence, and self-starter attitude.
5. Urgency and assertiveness.
6. Strong communication, organizational, and administrative skills.
7. Structured with excellent time management skills and impeccable attention to detail.
8. Responsiveness – Manage expectations and provide regular and continuous feedback.
9. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
10. Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to give clear direction and be hands-on.
11. Stakeholder Management.

Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the financial operations, including financial accounting, budget controls, general ledger management, payroll, billing and invoicing, consolidations and preparing IFRS-compliant annual financial statements, completing taxation and statutory filings, ensuring timely third-party payments, drafting of and monitoring compliance to financial policies, procedures, and controls.
2. Responsible for cash flow management and forecasting, investment management, financial risk management, and compliance to laws and regulations.
3. Liaise with Exco and advise on complex transactions.
4. Cost Control and Optimisation: Identify areas for cost reduction by analysing expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
5. Cash Flow Management: Manage cash flow and liquidity. Invest idle cash to maximise returns. Maintain relationships with banks and financial institutions. Monitor and manage foreign exchange requirements and risk.
6. Financial Governance: Develop financial policies and governance frameworks and monitor compliance. Monitor compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Identify and monitor financial risks. Develop and implement controls and risk mitigation strategies.
7. Financial Reporting: Prepare timely annual financial statements for approval by the Board and Shareholders. Ensure accuracy and compliance to IFRS for SMEs of annual financial statements. Manage submission of annual returns and annual financial statements on regulatory platforms, e.g. XBRL reports.
8. Audit and Compliance: Coordinate external audits and liaison with external auditors. Ensure compliance with local and international financial regulations. Address audit findings and implement recommended changes and improvements.
9. Payroll: Up-to-date working knowledge of SAGE Payroll. Accountable for processing Executive payroll. Review and manage multiple payrolls, ensuring compliance and timely payment of third parties. Monthly EMP submissions and PAYE payments. Bi-annual EMP reconciliations and submissions.
10. Tax and VAT: Develop tax optimisation strategies. Responsible for tax planning and compliance. Monthly & annual tax calculations. Prepare, review, and submit annual IT14 returns. Perform IT14 reconciliations. Processing of tax journals. Preparation, review, and submission of provisional taxes. Accountable for all tax administration and e-filing. Manage VAT process, including monthly VAT reconciliations and returns review and submission. SARS liaison and addressing SARS queries. Monthly VAT and PAYE payments and bi-annual provisional tax payments. Responsible for maintaining transfer pricing policy and monitoring adherence to transfer pricing rules and regulations.
11. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Identify and eliminate unnecessary steps in financial processes to increase efficiency. Identify processes for automation and implement steps to automate manual steps.
12. Data Accuracy and Timeliness: Prioritize accuracy and timeliness of providing financial information by streamlining the financial close process to facilitate timely reporting. Improve data quality and reduce processing errors by implementing measures to validate data and reconcile accounts.
13. Financial Systems and Automation: Utilise technology to automate routine transactions to improve efficiency. Automate manual processes by leveraging technology solutions, workflow automation, and AI-powered tools. Evaluate, motivate, and implement system upgrades or replacements.
14. Passionate Leadership: Lead by example. Foster a culture of compassion and empathy within the Finance team. Actively listen to, support, and address the concerns and needs of the team.
15. Team Development: Identify the professional development needs of the Finance team. Create Personal Development Plans and provide opportunities for skills development. Provide mentorship and training to individuals in the team for growth and development. Leave and claims approval. Take accountability for own professional development and staying up to date technically.