FINANCE MANAGER- Automotive Sector

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the full finance function and partner closely with Executive Management. The successful candidate will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, treasury, compliance, audits, and risk management, while providing strategic financial insights to support business growth and profitability. This role requires a commercially astute leader with strong manufacturing experience, a commitment to financial governance, and the ability to drive operational excellence through effective team leadership and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the full finance function, providing direction, oversight, and support across all financial operations.
• Act as a trusted business partner to Directors and Senior Management.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to support business objectives and long-term growth.
• Participate in executive decision-making through insightful financial analysis and reporting.
• Drive profitability through sound financial planning and performance management.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts.
• Oversee statutory financial reporting and annual financial statements.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling processes.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide recommendations to improve financial performance.
• Monitor profitability, margins, operational expenditure, and working capital.
• Deliver detailed financial performance reports to executive stakeholders.
• Oversee full payroll management

Treasury & Forex Management

• Manage all treasury-related activities including cash flow optimisation.
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure and manage forex transactions.
• Develop strategies to minimise foreign currency risk and optimise cash management.

Compliance, Governance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with IFRS, SARS requirements, VAT legislation, PAYE, UIF, income tax regulations and all relevant financial legislation.
• Maintain robust internal controls and governance structures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies and procedures to ensure effective financial governance, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance best practices.

Audit Management

• Lead annual external audits.
• Coordinate SARS audits, financial reviews and regulatory inspections.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Manage responses to audit findings and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Manufacturing & Operational Finance

• Partner with operational departments to drive cost efficiency.
• Analyse manufacturing costs, inventory movements, stock controls and operational performance.
• Monitor standard costing, production variances and gross profit margins.
• Support strategic investment decisions through financial analysis.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team.
• Manage employee performance, succession planning and skills development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Drive collaboration between finance and operational departments.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and departmental effectiveness.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field, with a professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, SAIPA, or equivalent being essential. A postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master’s) in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline will be advantageous.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years' experience in a senior finance leadership role, including at least 5 years managing and leading finance teams within a medium-to-large manufacturing environment.
• Proven Automotive Manufacturing industry experience is essential, together with a successful track record in managing the full finance function, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury and cash flow management, compliance, audit oversight, tax management, and strategic financial planning.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, GAAP, SARS regulations, and South African financial legislation, with proficiency in accounting and ERP systems such as Sage, Pastel, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated experience presenting financial results, business performance, and strategic recommendations to Executive Management and Board-level stakeholders.
• Must be in good standing with law enforcement authorities and willing to travel locally and internationally as required.

Key Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights and influence strategic decision-making.
• Proven leadership, stakeholder management, coaching, and people development capabilities, supported by a stable career history and consistent record of leadership success.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct, with a proactive, results-driven approach.
• Valid driver's licence, own reliable transport, and willingness to work on-site in Pinetown.
• Immediate availability or a short notice period will be highly advantageous.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced financial reporting and analysis.
• Strong understanding of IFRS and South African tax legislation.
• Proven experience with forex transactions and treasury management.
• Experience with annual audits and regulatory compliance.
• ERP system experience (SAP, Sage, Syspro or equivalent).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel essential.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and manufacturing finance principles.

• Basic salary + Benefits

• Incentives/ Bonus scheme
• Benefits: Provident fund and Medical Aid

Qualified candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their detailed CV, supporting qualifications, current remuneration, and notice period to ***email_hidden***