Financial Operational Manager

xneelo Group is looking for a talented Finance Operational Manager to collaborate with a small finance team based in South Africa and develop the finance function in Malta. In this critical role, you will help shape our financial strategy, drive operational efficiencies, and steer a high-performance full financial function. Reporting directly to the CEO of xneelo Malta, this is a high-impact role that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Leadership and people management

• Process Refinement and Automation

• Coaching and Development

• Cross-Skilling and Peer Collaboration

• Software and Financial Tools Management

• Communication and Negotiation

• Financial Reporting and Compliance

Required attributes

For success in this role, we expect you to have demonstrated ability with:

• Business Insight and Communication: As an astute leader, understand business operations beyond finance, grasp the impact of financial decisions, communicate effectively with all stakeholders, manage the finance team’s performance and development, and spearhead relevant projects.

• Strategic Thinking and Risk Management: Align financial strategies with business goals, anticipate trends, assess risks and opportunities, and provide sound recommendations.

• Sparring Partner: Develop informed opinions, actively participate in strategic and tactical decision-making, and shape overall direction and lead the finance team by delegating tasks, mentoring, training, and managing performance.

• Analytical Skills: Interpret complex data, identify trends, solve problems, and make decisions based on detailed quantitative analysis. This involves being detail-oriented and having a knack for problem-solving.

• Mastery of Financial Principles: Demonstrate a deep understanding of financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and proficiency in financial modeling and relevant software.

• Financial Reporting Knowledge: Expert in financial reporting standards (GAAP, IFRS) for preparing statements and ensuring regulatory compliance. You will be the subject matter expert within the organisation.

• Adaptability and Ethical Conduct: The ability to adapt to dynamic environments, solve problems creatively, learn continuously, and uphold high ethical standards while taking initiative is invaluable.

Qualifications and experience

We believe the following is essential for success in this role:

• CA(SA) – qualified in South Africa and registered with SAICA

• Minimum of 8 years professional experience in auditing and senior financial roles

• Competent in the use of accounting and related software (e.g. Sage Evolution, People, MS Excel)

• International professional experience (exposure to DTA’s, WTA’s and transfer pricing)

• Professional proficiency in English

• Resident in Malta a preference but not a requirement

And these would be an advantage:

• Completed (or working toward) local Maltese CA(SA) equivalent

• Professional experience in the Maltese business environment