Group Financial Manager (Retail / Financial Reporting / Management / Data Analysis) – Mbabane, Eswatini

Job Description:

Maintain full responsibility for managing the finances and fortunes of the Retail Chains which the Holding Group has bought and now owns. In keeping with the seniority and importance of this role, the incumbent is expected to be a key and pivotal member of the management team who will spearhead the company’s growth and expansion. This role will take specific responsibility for ensuring that this is done with optimal finance arrangements, both equity and debt funding, as well as with appropriate and sufficient internal controls to manage all and any associated risks in such a dynamic growth stage. This will also entail, by virtue of the group’s multinational presence, a treasury and foreign exchange exposure element and minimizing tax charges and tax risks across the various jurisdictions. This role will involve managing a team and key service providers including but not limited to auditors and bankers.

Key Deliverables of the Group Financial Manager – Retail

• Upon joining, quickly build an understanding of the business in terms of cash flows, profitability, taking control of the numbers.
• Ensure a high degree of predictability in Financial Information, and in Financial Reporting, enabling the business to move forward “without surprises”.
• Financial Data Analysis.
• Daily Cash Flow Management including Daily Cash Flow Projections.
• Oversee daily processing and maintenance of accounting records for all operational companies.
• Review of treasury function to ensure that all operational companies are sufficiently funded.
• Review and maintain both financial and enterprise risk management procedures for the retail businesses.
• Frequently monitor the retail industry for risk-related trends and the possible exposure and/or impact on the business.
• Eliminate newly identified financial and operational risks by engaging with Operations Managers and implementing timely action plans.
• Work with Operations and Store Managers to move the business towards operational excellence.
• Review daily bank reconciliations and report generation with regards to irregularities, unlawful conduct and preventative measures (fraud awareness) when variances arise.
• Oversee statutory and tax related matters for all companies.
• Manage processes relating to tax provisional returns, annual returns and related payments.
• Review of month-end inter-company revaluations and interest calculations.
• Review of month-end and year-end tax computations.
• Review of monthly Exco Reports and distribution of the same within prescribed deadlines.
• Manage and control the month end close process and review all month end deliverables.
• Review of month-end files in detail.
• Attend Exco Meetings.
• Attend Audit Committee Meetings as required.
• Review year-end audit files and actively participate in the audit of all operational companies.
• Prepare annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for all operational countries.
• Review of best practices from a workflow perspective and “value-add” to the finance services provided to the operational countries.
• Resolve queries from Revenue Services promptly.
• Manage insurance.
• Manage banking relationships.
• Conduct feasibility and risk assessments for new stores.
• Review VAT and tax returns.
• Review monthly management accounts.
• Reporting: Partner Exco report back (monthly).
• ALCO (forecast for Group Finance – monthly).
• Trading Statement (weekly and at month end).
• Cash forecast (daily).
• Ad-hoc review of the Sales Dashboard, which is prepared by the Accountants daily.
• Ad-hoc reports as requested.
• Budget: Detailed review and management of budget models and Presentation of budgets.
• Manage the audit process with the auditors as is necessary and ensure all deadlines met.
• Assist with payroll queries for the company.
• Manage the finance teams located in South Africa and Eswatini.
• Weekly communication with Group Finance to discuss progress on deliverables.
• Manage and coach all financial staff.
• Work with the Group Chief Executive Officer to ensure strategic aims are met.
• Work with Group Financial Officer to ensure all Group financial targets and strategic goals are met.
• Have a macro understanding of the company’s financial affairs and optimize at all times.  

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• Only qualified Chartered Accountants will be considered for this role
• The company will only at candidates who have no less than SEVEN years post articles, relevant working experience.
• This role is suitable for a seasoned Financial Manager looking to take their first step into a formal Group Financial manager role.
• A background in Retail, Supermarkets, FMCG, food or beverage businesses is essential.
• Strong accounting knowledge across reconciliation, stock management etc.
• A highly commercial mindset
• An operational focus
• Ability to deal with regulators outside of South Africa (Sub-Sahara)
• An understanding of cross-border funding and cross-border mechanisms.
• Previous exposure to Africa or an emerging market will be advantageous.
• An excellent command of English, both written and verbal, is a requirement of the job.

Key Competencies: 

• Self-assurance and a confident manner.
• Gravitas and be capable of commanding respect from others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong tax and balance sheet skills.
• Proven people management and leadership skills, preferably with people from different cultures and countries.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and use creativity to solve problems.
• Established negotiation skills
• Strong presentation skills.
• A self-starter who shows initiative and assumes responsibility for projects.
• Proven ability to operate independently and exercise significant latitude for independent judgement, discretion and action.
• Ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks within strict time frames within a fast-paced environment.
• High energy levels.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strategic thinking.
• The ability to debate in a constructive manner and to challenge conventional wisdom.
• The ability to build strong relationships with team members, company management and clients.
• An approach which is extremely “hands-on” as a Finance Manager, getting involved in the detail.
• A high level of resilience and tenacity, since the retail business in Africa can sometimes be very challenging.

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to [email protected]  

Please visit www.caglobalint.com for more exciting opportunities.

Lara Joubert

Recruitment Specialist

CA Global – Finance

CA Global will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.