Financial Manager

Job Title: Senior Finance Manager
Location: Cape Town (onsite)
Reporting To: Business Owner / CEO
Entity Scope: Group-wide (multiple entities within the transport group)

About the Business
We are an established, owner-managed business in the transport industry, operating multiple entities across logistics, fleet management, and related services. We’re looking for a mature, independent, and commercially minded finance leader to take full ownership of the group’s finance function and partner closely with the owner in driving sound business decisions.

Role Purpose
To lead and manage the complete finance function across all group entities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust cash flow management, tax compliance, and strategic financial guidance that supports sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Act as the primary finance advisor to the owner, providing timely, accurate, and actionable insights to support strategic and operational decisions.
• Develop and implement financial policies, controls, and processes across the group.
• Drive profitability through cost analysis, pricing support, and performance monitoring.

Full Finance Function Oversight

• Manage end-to-end accounting operations: GL, AP, AR, payroll oversight, and month-end close.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts with clear commentary and KPIs
• Oversee annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial planning.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Own cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and banking relationships.
• Optimize working capital (debtor/creditor management, inventory if applicable).
• Ensure sufficient funding for operations and growth initiatives.

Taxation & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with SARS obligations: VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL, and Corporate Income Tax.
• Manage tax planning, submissions, and audits in liaison with external advisors.
• Maintain compliance with CIPC, B-BBEE, and industry-specific regulatory requirements.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team (if applicable).
• Liaise with external auditors, bankers, brokers, and professional service providers.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to align finance with business goals.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance financial systems, reporting tools, and automation opportunities.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and robust internal controls.

Minimum Requirements
Qualification: B.Com degree (Accounting, Finance, or related field). CA(SA) not required.

Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 10+ years in a Finance Manager (or equivalent) role performing full-scope finance leadership.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Pastel, Sage, Xero, or similar).
• Strong grasp of South African tax legislation and GAAP/IFRS.

Personal Attributes:

• Independent self-starter who thrives in an owner-managed, fast-paced environment.
• Commercially astute with proven ability to make sound business decisions.
• Mature, discreet, and trustworthy with high integrity.
• Excellent communication skills – able to translate complex financial data into clear business language.
• Hands-on, solutions-oriented, and comfortable wearing multiple hats.

What We Offer

• A key leadership role with direct influence on business strategy.
• Competitive remuneration (market-related, negotiable based on experience).
• Opportunity to work closely with ownership in a stable, growing group.
• Autonomy to shape the finance function and drive meaningful impact.