Trainee Divisional Financial Manager

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Trainee DFM role is to participate in various developmental or experiential financial activities in preparation for a DFM role. Given the nature of the process, mobility is key as one gets placed into roles as they become available (due to DFM movement). Although an outline of the programme is standardised, each Trainee Divisional Finance Manager will have a different learning experience based on their own exposures and development needs as assessed against the DFM role – gap analysis and readiness for placement.

What candidates are working towards

The purpose of the DFM role is to provide strategic and operational financial direction to the Division. The role is responsible for the overall financial management of the Division which includes budgeting, financial reporting, planning and analysis to enable business decision-making as well as ensuring that appropriate financial processes, controls, and standards are in place to mitigate risk and support a high growth business. The role oversees the operational financial activities including risk mitigation and loss prevention plans. The role provides accounting, commercial and business input into all aspects of the Divisional business unit business (Finance, Administration, Operations, Sales, HR, and IT etc.). The DFM focusses on the achievement of financial targets and business imperatives that will ensure that the divisional plan is successfully delivered upon. To improve divisional profitability by securing company assets and taking continuous corrective action based on the analysis of financial- and internal audit results.

Role Description

Strategic focus

• Provide strategic financial input and support to the management team in achieving its strategic goals and building the business.
• Provide accounting, commercial and business input into all aspects of the business across Operations, Sales, HR and IT.
• Focus on achievement of financial targets and business imperatives that will ensure that the business plan is delivered upon.

Financial reporting

• Manage, direct, and oversee month end processes.
• Manage and improve financial reporting and controls.
• Ensure the effective and timeous production of monthly management accounts and presentations to the management team as well as monthly reporting to Group Executives.
• Ensure continuous improvement of daily, weekly, and monthly analysis and reporting across the business to ensure that management has timeous, accurate and value-adding information to assist in decision-making (SAP, P&L, departmental reporting and SAP reports).

Financial management

• Ensure effective cost management and optimisation across the business and make recommendations to manage costs in line with business activity.
• Coordinate daily, monthly and annual stocktakes in line with agreed procedures.
• Manage stock movement / monitor DC shipment.
• Perform investigations / analysis on stock shortages.

Financial controls

• Assess and develop in-depth understanding of the end-to-end control environment of the business and identify any control weaknesses.
• Ensure that adequate internal controls are implemented, maintained and monitored across all areas of the business
• Control shrinkage.
• Provide input into management of markdowns to ensure that financial and strategic objectives are met.
• Ensure that the principles of good corporate governance are applied at all times.

Relevant financial degree/ qualification- (essential).

• CA/ CIMA qualification – (beneficial).

• 5 years' experience in a similar senior financial management role with proven experience in a retail / manufacturing or similar environment, driving financial performance and related governance – (essential).
• Depth of financial expertise with proven skills in financial accounting, budgeting, reporting and risk management – (essential).
• Strong business acumen with general knowledge of business outside of the financial sphere – (essential).
• Knowledge of SAP – (essential).

Key competencies and work ethic

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the gravitas to effectively lead a finance function. Able to motivate cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams to achieve tactical and strategic goals.
• Strong analytical skills while equally capable of thinking strategically and conceptually to deal with problem-solving challenges across a variety of thinking environments. Ability to see the bigger picture and understand both the micro and macro impact of initiatives.
• Ability to consume and frame substantial amounts of disparate finance, technical, and business information into meaningful deliverables, directives, strategies, or messages.
• Strong decision-making ability and judgment – good sense of urgency with the confidence to work independently and exercise initiative.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships across different functions and organisation levels while demonstrating an understanding of and sensitivity to stakeholders' needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial related concepts to technical and non-technical audiences at various hierarchical levels.
• Ability to handle pressure, take ownership and accountability and drive good commercial outcomes with managing executives.
• Adaptable with the ability to effect change and continuous improvement.
• High level of personal integrity, as well as the ability to professionally handle confidential matters, and show an appropriate level of judgment and maturity. Demonstrates commitment to high standards of ethics, regulatory compliance, customer service and business integrity.