Lead the Finance Function of a Growing Import & Wholesale Business

Crusaders Corporate is an established and growing Import and Wholesale business supplying products nationally. We are looking to appoint an experienced, commercially astute Finance Manager to lead our finance department and ensure the integrity of our financial reporting while supporting strategic business decisions.

This is a senior management position responsible for overseeing the accounting function, leading the accountant and the support team, while ensuring robust financial controls across the business. The successful candidate will report directly to executive management and will play a key role in driving financial performance, improving processes, and supporting the continued growth of the company.

We are looking for a leader who is equally comfortable reviewing management accounts as they improving systems, and providing commercial insight to the business.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, including the Accountant and supporting finance staff.

• Ensure a high-performing, accountable finance department with strong attention to detail.

• Allocate workloads, review outputs, and continuously improve team efficiency.

• Build a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Financial Reporting

• Oversee the preparation of accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.

• Oversee and review balance sheet recons.

• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger and financial records.

• Drive accurate month-end and year-end close processes.

• Prepare financial analysis and reports for executive management.

Commercial & Operational Finance

• Oversee inventory accounting, import costings, landed costs, and product costing methodologies (incorporating forex).

• Ensure accurate gross margin reporting and profitability analysis.

• Provide financial insights that support pricing, purchasing, and inventory decisions.

• Monitor working capital, cash flow, and balance sheet performance.

• Identify financial risks and recommend practical commercial solutions.

Controls & Compliance

• Strengthen internal financial controls and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

• Manage relationships with external auditors and other professional advisors.

• Ensure statutory submissions and financial reporting obligations are met.

• Drive process improvements through automation and best-practice financial procedures.

Minimum Requirements

• BCom Accounting or equivalent tertiary qualification.

• CA(SA), CIMA, SAIPA, or equivalent professional qualification will be highly advantageous.

• Minimum 7 years' finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or finance management role.

• Proven experience within an Import, Wholesale, Distribution, Manufacturing, or FMCG environment.

• Strong technical knowledge of:

  • Financial reporting

  • General ledger management

  • Balance sheet reconciliations

  • Inventory accounting

  • Import costings and landed costs

  • Financial controls and compliance

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience using ERP or integrated accounting systems.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a confident finance professional who combines strong technical accounting skills with commercial thinking and effective leadership.

You:

• Lead by example and hold yourself and others accountable.

• Have exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Can confidently engage with senior management and influence decision-making.

• Understand how finance drives business profitability.

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities.

• Have excellent organisational skills and consistently meet deadlines.

• Take ownership of outcomes rather than simply completing tasks.

• Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies.

• Communicate professionally with stakeholders at all levels of the business.

• Familiar with AI and how this can be used to streamline finance processes

What We Offer

• Salary is market related and dependent on experience

• A senior leadership role within an established and growing business.

• The opportunity to shape and strengthen the finance function.

• A collaborative, performance-driven environment where initiative and accountability are recognised.

• The chance to make a meaningful commercial impact across the organisation.