Group Finance Manager

Job Specification: Group Financial Manager

Position Title: Group Financial Manager

Department: Finance

Reporting To: Group Managing Director

Location: Johannesburg, Head Office

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

1. Purpose of the Role

The Group Financial Manager will oversee the full financial management, reporting, and compliance functions across multiple entities within the Group. This role ensures the integrity of financial information, maintains robust financial controls, manages cash flow, and delivers accurate and timely management reporting to support strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will provide strong financial leadership, mentor the finance team, and drive operational and compliance excellence across all business units.

2. Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Controls

• Oversee the complete finance function across all Group entities, including tax compliance, management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow.
• Implement and maintain strong financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Proactively identify financial risks, recommending mitigation strategies to Directors.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of journal entries, cashbook entries, reconciliations, and other financial transactions.
• Manage intercompany transactions, group loan accounts, monthly reconciliations, and fixed asset registers.
• Oversee working capital management including debtors, creditors, and cash flow optimisation.
• Manage the performance and KPIs of the finance department.
• Oversee banking relationships and ensure the completion of required banking documentation, credit facilities, and account setups.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and review weekly, monthly, and annual management accounts (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, budget vs actuals).
• Conduct variance analysis, identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Present monthly financial reports and insights to Directors for strategic decision-making.
• Support Directors with financial modelling, forecasting, and scenario planning.

Taxation & Compliance

• Manage VAT, PAYE, EMP201, EMP501, provisional tax submissions, and all statutory returns.
• Prepare annual tax calculations and deferred tax schedules.
• Liaise with SARS for tax clearances, compliance issues, and payment arrangements.
• Maintain compliance with South African statutory and tax regulations.

Audit & Governance

• Lead year-end audit processes and engage with external auditors.
• Review and approve audited financial statements in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage audit adjustments and ensure full statutory compliance across all entities.
• Maintain compliance registers; oversee VAT submissions, PAYE, CIPC filings, and other statutory obligations.
• Ensure all regulatory certificates and documents are maintained and up to date.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare and consolidate annual budgets for all group entities.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts, advising on funding requirements.
• Support strategic planning, capital allocation, and financial evaluations of new projects or business opportunities.
• Monitor budgets vs actuals and provide insights into risks or deviations.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of up to 10 finance and administration staff.
• Oversee performance management, training, and career development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Operational Support & Strategic Input

• Provide financial insights to support operational, sales, and project decision-making.
• Support costing, profitability analysis, performance tracking, and sales commission calculations.
• Oversee supplier reconciliations, beneficiary uploads, payment approvals, and compliance with authorisation protocols.
• Oversee business operational expenses, including utilities, rentals, and other overheads.
• Collaborate with HR on payroll, medical aid, pension fund, Workmen's Compensation, and related matters.
• Process depreciation, amortisation, and exchange rate gains/losses.
• Oversee monthly stock takes and implement random spot checks.
• Liaise with insurance brokers to ensure adequate asset coverage and risk management.
• Manage BEE audit preparation, compliance, and certification requirements with external consultants.

3. Qualifications & Experience

• BCom Accounting, BCompt, or equivalent qualification (CA(SA) advantageous).
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in financial management, preferably in a multi-entity or group environment.
• Strong technical expertise in South African tax laws and statutory compliance.
• Proven experience managing audits, budgets, forecasting, and cash flow across multiple business units.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP or similar) and advanced accounting software (Pastel, Evolution, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in implementing or enhancing financial systems and controls.

4. Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
• High levels of accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proactive, solutions-driven, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.

5. Remuneration

• A competitive, market-related package will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.