Financial Manager: Coega

Factory-Based Role

Monday to Friday: 07:30 – 16:30

Our client – a dynamic production and agricultural business based in Coega is seeking a resilient, hands-on Financial Manager to take full ownership of the organisation’s financial health and assist in building the financial backbone required to support growth and long-term sustainability.

This role combines strategic financial leadership with operational execution and is suited to a proactive finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Director and leadership team, providing financial clarity, structure, and discipline across the organisation while actively contributing to operational improvement initiatives.

The business employs approximately 80 staff members across factory and field operations. This role requires a finance professional who is equally comfortable engaging at Board level while remaining operationally involved in the day-to-day running and improvement of the finance function.

Minimum Requirements

• CIMA, CA(SA), or SAICA qualification essential
• Proven experience within small to medium-sized or family-owned businesses
• Strong experience in:
  • Financial accounting
  • Management accounting
  • Costing and cost control
  • Cash flow management and forecasting
  • Business administration and business control
• Proven experience in a manufacturing, production, agricultural, or factory environment
• Strong understanding of:
  • SARS and VAT
  • Payroll administration
  • Fixed asset management
  • Financial controls and compliance
  • BBBEE compliance processes
• Experience building or professionalising finance functions within growing businesses
• Strong analytical ability with experience interpreting complex financial data
• Ability to operate effectively in a pre-profit environment and make practical business trade-offs
• Exposure to ERP and IT systems, preferably HUGE ERP
• Female equity candidate preferred
• Suitable age profile: late 20s or mature 30s–40s

Advantageous Experience

• Experience within capital-intensive or energy-related industries
• Experience working within dynamic, fast-changing environments rather than purely large corporate structures

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Control

• Take ownership of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
• Oversee the full financial accounting and management accounting function
• Establish and maintain strong planning, reporting, and control cycles
• Conduct robust variance analysis and provide financial insights to management
• Drive cost discipline and working capital optimisation within a manufacturing environment
• Translate operational data into meaningful financial information for strategic decision-making
• Prepare and present accurate management accounts and financial reports

Board and Leadership Alignment

• Serve as a strategic partner and right-hand to the Managing Director
• Prepare and present clear, structured financial updates to the Board of Directors
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and strong financial governance across the organisation
• Support strategic decision-making with data-driven analysis and realistic financial scenarios

Operational and Systems Improvement

• Build structure, discipline, and scalable financial processes across finance, administration, and IT
• Improve financial systems, controls, and reporting efficiencies
• Define and monitor financial and operational KPIs linked to plant and field performance
• Identify financial and operational risks proactively and implement practical mitigation measures
• Ensure financial systems and IT governance support operational performance and control
• Adapt to ongoing business changes and evolving operational structures

Compliance and Administration

• Manage SARS submissions, VAT reconciliations, payroll oversight, and statutory compliance
• Oversee fixed assets, insurance portfolios, and banking relationships
• Ensure sound financial governance and compliance across the business
• Ensure reliable day-to-day administration, accurate reporting, and disciplined month-end closing processes

Team Oversight and Operational Involvement

• Oversee the finance and administration team and support capability development where required
• Bring clarity and structure to internal communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Maintain a hands-on presence within the factory and operational environment
• Engage directly with operational teams to improve efficiencies and financial outcomes
• Support overall business sustainability through practical financial leadership

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be

• Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving business
• Hands-on and operationally involved
• Proactive, energetic, and solutions-driven
• Able to work independently and take initiative
• Comfortable working outside of rigid corporate structures
• Strong in both strategic financial oversight and operational execution
• Comfortable building processes and systems where needed
• A clear, structured communicator with confidence at Board level
• High in integrity with a strong sense of accountability
• Confident engaging with management, staff, and external stakeholders
• Able to thrive in an environment requiring flexibility, accountability, and continuous improvement

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to multitask and prioritise effectively
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong commercial and operational awareness
• Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to execution