Financial Manager; Steel

An established and growing steel merchant / distributor is seeking a seasoned Financial Manager to take ownership of its financial function and support the next phase of strategic growth. This is not a purely operational finance role. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening financial controls, implementing robust frameworks, improving reporting accuracy, and aligning financial strategy with long-term business expansion.

Reporting into Executive Management, the Financial Manager will oversee the full financial function while building stronger governance, compliance, forecasting, and risk management processes.

• Tertiary qualification in Finance / Accounting
• Minimum 15 years’ relevant financial experience
• Experience with in steel, manufacturing, or industrial environment highly advantageous
• Strong exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
• Proven experience implementing financial controls and governance structures
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills
• ERP system experience
• Bilingual (Afrikaans & English) advantageous
• Own reliable transport
• Gauteng-based
• CA(SA) advantageous but not essential.

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Detail-oriented with strong governance mindset
• Confident communicator at management level
• Change agent capable of improving systems and structure

Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Develop and manage annual budgets and rolling forecasts
• Prepare detailed cash flow projections and liquidity planning models
• Perform variance analysis and provide actionable financial insights
• Deliver monthly management reports with KPI analysis and performance commentary
• Support strategic planning initiatives with financial modelling and scenario analysis
• Provide financial input into pricing strategies and margin optimisation

Financial Controls & Governance

• Establish and implement strong internal controls and financial policies
• Review and strengthen financial processes and approval frameworks
• Ensure segregation of duties and compliance with best practice standards
• Improve financial reporting accuracy and consistency
• Develop a structured month-end and year-end closing process
• Identify system and process inefficiencies and implement corrective measures

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Manage working capital effectively (debtors, creditors, inventory)
• Monitor daily cash flow position and optimise liquidity
• Implement debtor management and credit control improvements
• Improve stock control and cost tracking systems
• Align procurement and payment cycles to optimise cash flow

Investment & Capital Management

• Evaluate capital expenditure proposals
• Conduct feasibility studies and ROI analysis
• Support decisions around funding, financing, and capital structuring
• Assist with potential expansion planning and long-term investment strategy

Risk Management

• Identify financial and operational risk exposures
• Implement mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and statutory requirements
• Oversee audit preparation and external compliance processes

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts
• Ensure statutory compliance (VAT, Tax, PAYE, etc.)
• Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors
• Maintain regulatory compliance standards
• Ensure accurate financial statement preparation

Systems & Technology

• Optimise the use of ERP / accounting systems
• Introduce automation and data-driven reporting tools where possible