Financial Manager - Fine Foods Distribution & Import Business | Sl

Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a commercially sharp, experienced and people-driven Financial Manager for a well-regarded fine foods distribution and import business based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior finance leadership role with full accountability across accounting, inventory management, imports, procurement, supply chain finance and commercial operations. The Financial Manager will partner with departmental heads to drive profitability, optimise working capital and maintain strong financial governance throughout the business.

This role suits a hands-on finance professional who is equally comfortable in the numbers and in the boardroom - someone who brings commercial insight, strong team leadership and a genuine improvement mindset to everything they do.

Minimum Requirements:

• BCom Accounting, Finance or related qualification - essential
• Completed SAICA or SAIPA articles - advantageous
• Minimum 7 to 10 years' relevant finance experience
• Minimum 3 years in a finance management role - essential
• Experience with in a distribution, wholesale, FMCG, manufacturing or import environment - essential
• Strong; proven knowledge across:
  Budgeting; forecasting and financial modelling
• Cash flow management and working capital optimisation
• Inventory valuation and stock control
• Landed costing and import transaction oversight
• Forex exposure and foreign supplier management
• COGS and gross profit performance monitoring
• Financial controls, governance and statutory compliance
• Advanced Excel skills - essential
• ERP system experience - essential
• Strong commercial acumen with effective stakeholder management skills
• Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership & Reporting:
  Lead and manage the finance department, oversee month-end, year-end and statutory reporting processes, review and approve monthly management accounts, present financial results, risks and opportunities to the Managing Director, ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial information.
• Budgeting;
  Forecasting & Business Planning:
  Lead the annual budgeting process across all departments, develop and maintain rolling forecasts, monitor and report on budget performance, conduct scenario planning and financial modelling, provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management:
  Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity requirements, monitor debtor, creditor and inventory performance, drive initiatives to improve cash conversion and working capital efficiency, manage banking relationships and financing requirements.
• Inventory;
  Imports & Supply Chain Finance:
  Oversee inventory valuation methodologies and stock control processes, review inventory provisions, write-offs and stock adjustments, monitor inventory ageing and stock holding levels, ensure landed costing methodologies are applied consistently and accurately, provide oversight of import transactions, forex exposure and foreign supplier relationships, monitor gross profit and COGS performance.
• Commercial Finance & Business Partnering:
  Analyse profitability by customer, supplier, product category and channel, support pricing decisions and margin improvement initiatives, partner with Operations, Procurement, Sales and Logistics to improve business performance, evaluate investments, projects and business opportunities.
• Financial Controls & Governance:
  Develop and maintain internal controls and financial policies, ensure compliance with approval frameworks and company procedures, manage tax, VAT, audit and statutory compliance requirements, identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  Manage; develop and coach the finance team including the Accountant role, drive a culture of accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement, ensure appropriate succession planning and skills development within the department.

Package:

• Gross Salary: R50,000 to R60,000 per month (DOE)
• Live-out; office-based position in Stellenbosch
• Start date:
  
  ASAP