Junior Financial Manager

Role Purpose Smeg South Africa is seeking a highly capable Junior Financial Manager to support the full financial operations of the South African subsidiary. This role is suited to a hands-on, detail-oriented finance professional who can operate effectively within a lean team structure, manage end-to-end financial processes, and contribute to accurate, compliant, and timely financial reporting.
The Junior Financial Manager will play a critical role in ensuring financial integrity, supporting commercial decision-making, and maintaining alignment with the reporting and compliance frameworks of the international head office.
Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in line with group and statutory requirements.
- Prepare and analyse management accounts, variance analyses, and financial performance insights.
- Support year-end processes, audit preparation, and engagement with external auditors.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate transaction processing.
- Assist with consolidation reporting for submission to the international head office.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Support annual budget preparation and monthly forecast revisions.
- Assist with financial modelling, scenario planning, and cash-flow forecasting.
- Monitor actual vs. budget performance and highlight material deviations.
Cash Flow & Treasury Management
- Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts and liquidity analyses.
- Manage and reconcile bank accounts to ensure accuracy and sufficient working capital.
Accounts Payable & Receivable Oversight
- Support Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams with complex or escalated queries.
- Review reconciliations and aging analyses to ensure timely and accurate processing.
- Assist with credit control initiatives and debtor management where required.
Cost Control & Operational Finance
- Conduct cost analysis on operational expenditure including imports, warehousing, logistics, and distribution.
- Assist with margin analysis and pricing support.
- Partner with Sales, Retail, Service Centre, and Logistics teams to ensure financial alignment and cost efficiency.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to South African statutory requirements including SARS, VAT, PAYE, Income Tax, and Companies Act compliance.
- Assist in maintaining and strengthening internal controls and financial governance frameworks.
- Support regulatory and group compliance reporting obligations.
Inventory & Imports Finance
- Assist with landed cost calculations and import costing processes.
- Monitor stock movements and shrinkage; perform periodic stock reconciliations.
- Support the finance function within the broader supply chain environment.
Systems, Processes & Automation
- Assist with ERP and financial system improvements (SAP/Quick Books/Sage or equivalent).
- Identify inefficiencies and support continuous process optimisation initiatives.
- Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of finance standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Minimum Requirements Education
- BCom Finance / BCom Accounting / BCompt or equivalent (required).
- Honours / CTA – advantageous.
- Part-qualified or aspiring CA(SA), CIMA, or SAIPA – advantageous.
Experience
- 2–4 years’ experience in finance or accounting roles.
- Experience in FMCG, retail, or import-driven environments – advantageous.
- Exposure to multinational reporting structures – beneficial.
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and IFRS fundamentals.
- Advanced MS Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, financial modelling).

- Experience with ERP or financial systems (SAP advantageous).
- Working knowledge of SARS eFiling, VAT submissions, and tax procedures.
Competencies & Attributes
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Integrity, professionalism, and strong ethical standards.
- Ability to work independently within a small team environment.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and eager to learn and grow.
Working Conditions
- Based at the Head Office in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
- Standard office hours with occasional extended hours during month-end and audit cycles.
- Interaction with the international finance division may require occasional after-hours communication.
Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.