Senior Financial Manager

This incumbent is a member of the OPCO team and reports directly to the General Manger of Farming, General Manager of Property, and the Group Chief Financial Officer.

As a Senior Finance Manager of the Farming and Property business, your role would be critical in overseeing the financial operations and ensuring the financial health and success of the organization. Your duties and responsibilities would encompass a wide range of tasks, including strategic planning, financial analysis, reporting, budgeting, and compliance.

Place of Work

Farming & Property finance department based in the Cape Winelands.

Key Performance Areas

Duties and Responsibilities

A detailed scoping of duties and responsibilities include:

• Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Conduct financial analysis and risk assessments to identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue enhancement.
• Provide strategic financial recommendations to the senior management team.
• Create financial models and projections for business expansion, capital investments, and other strategic initiatives.

• Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop comprehensive budgets.
• Monitor budget performance and variance analysis regularly, providing insights to support decision-making and corrective actions.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial forecasts to assist in resource allocation and cash flow management.

• Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Present financial reports to the Farming and Property executive teams, highlighting key financial metrics and performance indicators.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations.

• Cash Flow Management:

• At both a group and business level, monitor cash flow, cash reserves, and liquidity to ensure the organization’s financial stability.
• Develop strategies to optimize cash flow and minimize the risk of cash shortages.
• Oversee the management of Farming and Property businesses accounts payable and accounts receivable.

• Financial Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial and tax regulations, reporting requirements, and industry standards.
• Manage financial audits and coordinate with external auditors to ensure smooth and successful audits.
• Assess financial risks and implement risk mitigation strategies.

• Financial Strategy and Decision Support:

• Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making and business development initiatives.
• Evaluate the financial viability of new projects, acquisitions, and investments.
• Collaborate with other departments to support financial aspects of business initiatives.

• Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and manage the finance team, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance within the finance department.
• Ensure effective teamwork and collaboration between finance and other departments.

• Treasury and Banking Relations:

• Manage the organization’s banking relationships and optimize financing arrangements.
• Oversee treasury functions, including cash management, debt management, and investment strategies.

• Asset and Liability Management:

• Monitor and manage the organization’s assets and liabilities, including inventory, property, and debt.
• Optimize asset utilization and financing costs.

• Stakeholder Communication:

• Communicate financial performance, forecasts, and strategies effectively to internal stakeholders.
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, as required.

Qualification & skills

It is important for any candidate to possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Recognised Accounting qualifications – CA (SA,) or SAIPA, CIMA ACCA accreditation is essential.
• Employment Equity candidate is advantageous.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar position within the farming industry.
• Experience in property is advantageous.
• Microsoft Office.
• Advanced Excel with a detailed knowledge of financial modelling, pivot tables, finance formula etc.
• Experience with Power BI as a reporting and dashboard tool.
• ERP Accounting systems experience (Microsoft Dynamics NAV preferred).
• Excellent administrative skills.
• Excellent communication abilities and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently, understand pressure and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong financial acumen and excellent time management skills.
• Results driven with strong communication skills, proficient in presentation of information to others.
• A creative and innovative thinker.