Finance Director

A division of a leading JSE listed company in the Automotive Industry is seeking to employ a Finance Director with a strong finance background, based in Edenvale, Johannesburg.

An energetic, deadline driven and hardworking individual with strong financial acumen.

This role be responsible for overseeing the financial strategy, management, and reporting of the division. The role requires a highly skilled finance professional with leadership capabilities, exceptional strategic thinking, “big picture” and detail orientated with an understanding of South African financial regulations and compliance. The Financial Director will work closely with the executive leadership team to drive financial performance and ensure the company’s financial health and sustainability.

The role will report to the Managing Director of the division and have two direct reports.

**Position Overview**:
Main activities will include:

- Overall responsibility and oversight of the division’s financial department and results
- Responsibility for all financial matters, including management & financial reporting; budget development, planning & analysis, billing, debtors, creditors and fund accounting
- The management of operational matters, including directing of staff and monthly payroll
- Leading financial processes while ensuring cost containment and financial discipline, effective management of internal and external audit

**Specific Role Responsibilities**:

- **Strategic Financial Leadership**:

- Lead the development and implementation of the division's financial strategy in alignment with business objectives
- Advise the executive team and board on financial planning, forecasting, and risk management
- Champion projects that have broad implications across the organisation by aligning and influencing all key stakeholders
- Provide key insights to support business growth, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives
- **Financial Management & Reporting**:

- Oversee accounting standards selected and implemented by the organisation
- Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements and other financial reporting in compliance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and relevant South African regulations
- Ensure the integrity of the division's financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and other financial reports
- Identify and implement best practice management; provide strategic insight on the content of reports
- Select and drive the development of appropriate financial and operational indicators
- **Analysis, forecasting and budgeting**:

- Lead budgeting and forecasting processes and ensure financial plans are aligned with business objectives
- Set standards for business analysis to support strategic direction and comparison; develop and implement finance solutions to complex and high-value commercial decisions including risk and business delivery
- **Financial Process, Control, Compliance & Risk Management**:

- Ensure compliance with local tax laws, financial regulations, and governance standards in South Africa
- Manage internal controls and implement best practices to mitigate financial risks
- Identify and manage financial risks and ensure the development of appropriate risk management frameworks
- Oversee the auditing process and liaise with external auditors, tax department, and other regulatory bodies
- Set demanding and realistic targets for process improvement and ensure changes to existing processes are carried out in a systematic and logical way
- **Team Leadership & Development**:

- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a high-performance culture
- Ensure proper staff training, performance evaluations, and succession planning within the finance department

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- CA (SA) and 10 years post articles work experience
- Worked previously as a finance leader
- Critical thinking and inquisitive nature
- An entrepreneurial spirit
- Strong analytical ability to interpret financial information, attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task, cope under pressure, and succeed in a high-performance culture
- Strong people management experience
- Experience with multiple systems that interlink
- Strong ability to adapt to change
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint, Visio)
- Good current-day knowledge of IFRS
- Understanding of financial systems
- Experience in the motor or financial services industry will be advantageous

**Skills and Personal Attributes**:

- Clear criminal and credit records
- Reliable or own transport
- Own and live up to the Company values
- Attend training initiatives to improve work quality and enhance own skills