Finance and Operations Manager | Johannesburg, Gauteng | Permanent
Take ownership of the financial and operational infrastructure of a growing, entrepreneurial business where your role extends well beyond traditional finance. This is an opportunity for a hands-on finance leader who enjoys combining financial management, compliance, people leadership, systems and business operations.
The Finance and Operations Manager will take overall responsibility for the financial management of the Group and its related entities, ensuring that financial information is accurate, controls are effective, statutory obligations are met and reporting supports sound decision-making. Reporting to the CEO and Directors, the role will provide both management-level oversight and practical involvement across a broad range of business functions.
This is a genuinely diverse position. In addition to leading the finance and administration team and overseeing accounting, reporting, payroll, tax and statutory compliance, the successful candidate will support Board and executive requirements, coordinate outsourced IT providers, oversee business systems and technology assets, manage property and office administration, coordinate insurance and banking relationships, and contribute to operational improvement projects.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working closely with business owners and senior leaders, taking ownership of multiple priorities and moving between strategic oversight and hands-on problem-solving. This role will suit someone who is commercially astute, highly organised and proactive, with the resilience and flexibility to thrive in a fast-moving environment where no two days are exactly the same.
Our client is an established South African labour and transformation solutions business with a growing, multi-entity operating structure. The organisation works in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment where practical execution, accountability, compliance and strong relationships are valued. The Finance and Operations Manager will play an important role in strengthening the infrastructure that enables the business and its leadership team to grow sustainably.
What You'll Do
Take overall responsibility for the financial management of the Group and its related entities
Oversee monthly accounting processes across multiple legal entities
Review debtors, creditors, banking transactions, fixed assets, journals, general ledger entries and reconciliations
Ensure accounting records remain complete, accurate and up to date
Review monthly financial reports and supporting schedules for management reporting
Monitor cash flow, working capital, debtors and creditor payment cycles
Support budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and annual financial statement preparation
Coordinate year-end audit requirements and liaise with external auditors, tax practitioners, SARS and other regulatory bodies
Maintain and strengthen financial controls and documented procedures
Lead, support and develop the finance and administration team
Allocate responsibilities, monitor deadlines and drive accountability across the team
Oversee the complete monthly payroll process and related reconciliations and submissions
Ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE, EMP201, EMP501, IRP5, provisional tax, COID and CIPC requirements
Maintain an effective compliance calendar across all Group entities
Support corporate governance processes, including company records, resolutions, beneficial ownership declarations and company amendments
Prepare Board packs, financial reports, presentations and supporting schedules for Directors
Provide reliable financial and operational information to support executive decision-making
Coordinate outsourced IT providers, Microsoft 365 administration, technology assets and IT-related projects
Support system implementations, cloud migration, automation and business-system improvements
Oversee office facilities, maintenance, rental properties, leases, suppliers and service providers
Manage the Group's insurance portfolio, renewals, claims and relationships with brokers
Manage banking relationships and support banking facilities and access requirements
Lead or coordinate finance, operational and technology-related projects
Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce manual administration and strengthen operational efficiency
Provide practical support to the Directors on business, strategic and operational initiatives
Handle confidential and sensitive information with a high level of maturity and discretion
What You Bring
A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance or Financial Management
A completed accounting qualification or professional designation would be advantageous
Approximately 7–10 years' relevant financial management experience
At least 3 years' experience managing or supervising a finance or administration team
Experience overseeing the full accounting function across multiple companies or legal entities
Strong practical knowledge of South African payroll, tax and statutory compliance requirements
Hands-on experience with VAT, PAYE, EMP201, EMP501, IRP5, provisional tax, COID and CIPC submissions
Experience preparing management reports and supporting annual financial statements and external audits
Advanced Microsoft Excel capability
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and accounting and payroll systems
Experience in labour solutions, staffing, professional services or a multi-entity business would be advantageous
Exposure to IT provider coordination, facilities, insurance or broader business support functions would be beneficial
Strong financial and commercial judgement with excellent attention to detail
Confident people-management and team-development capability
Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills
A practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving and process improvement
The ability to communicate effectively with Directors, employees, auditors, clients and service providers
A high level of accountability, discretion and confidentiality
The ability to work across multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a fast-moving environment
What Success Looks Like
Accurate and timely monthly financial reporting across all relevant entities
Payroll and statutory submissions consistently completed accurately and within deadlines
High-quality financial records, reconciliations and audit preparation
Improved cash-flow visibility, working capital management and financial controls
A well-managed, accountable and effective finance and administration team
Successful coordination of audits, compliance reviews and B-BBEE verification processes
Reliable IT, administrative, facilities and operational support across the business
Documented processes that improve consistency, governance and accountability
Measurable improvements in efficiency through systems, technology and automation
Responsive, high-quality financial and operational support to the Directors
A finance and operations function that provides the structure and visibility required to support sustainable business growth
