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Financial Manager (Solar Industry)

Jelocorp • Full-time • Johannesburg • 1w ago

Introduction

Location: Sandton

Employment Type: Permanent

Department: Finance

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Position Summary

The Financial Manager is responsible for leading and managing the financial operations of the company's distribution business, ensuring sound financial management, robust internal controls, accurate financial reporting, effective cash flow management, and compliance with all statutory and corporate requirements. The role partners closely with the Sales, Procurement, Warehouse, Logistics, Operations, and Executive Management teams to support profitable growth, optimise working capital, improve operational efficiency, and provide timely financial information for strategic decision-making. While the Financial Manager will provide financial support to project delivery where required, the primary focus of the role is the financial management and commercial performance of the company's distribution operations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day financial operations of the business.
Prepare monthly management accounts and annual financial statements.
Lead month-end and year-end financial close processes.
Analyse financial performance and provide reporting to management.
Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling financial forecasts.
Monitor budget performance and investigate variances.
Manage cash flow, liquidity, and banking relationships.
Oversee working capital, including accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Monitor inventory accounting, stock reconciliations, and inventory valuation.
Analyse product costing, landed costs, gross margins, and profitability.
Provide financial support to procurement and commercial teams.
Oversee the financial aspects of import/export transactions and foreign currency payments.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax legislation, and statutory requirements.
Develop, implement, and maintain effective financial controls and risk management processes.
Coordinate external audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
Monitor business performance through financial and operational KPIs.
Support project costing, budgeting, and profitability analysis.
Drive continuous improvement of financial systems, ERP processes, and reporting.
Develop and maintain finance policies and procedures.
Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, CPA, or an equivalent professional qualification.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a Financial Management role within the solar industry.
Experience within distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, engineering, renewable energy, electrical products, or a similar industry.
Proven experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, taxation, inventory accounting, and internal financial controls.
Experience with import/export finance, including international trade, customs and duties, freight costing, foreign supplier payments, Letters of Credit (LCs), documentary collections, and foreign exchange (FX) management.
Experience using ERP/accounting systems and advanced Microsoft Excel.

Knowledge & Skills

Strong knowledge of financial reporting principles, accounting standards, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, and working capital management.
Knowledge of inventory accounting, cost management, import/export accounting, customs requirements, VAT, Incoterms®, and foreign currency management.
Ability to prepare financial analysis and management reports.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems proficiency.
Excellent analytical, organisational, problem-solving, communication, stakeholder management, and commercial skills.
High level of integrity and professionalism.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Accurate and timely financial reporting.
Budget and forecast accuracy.
Effective cash flow and working capital management.
Debtor, creditor, and inventory performance.
Statutory, tax, and regulatory compliance.
Successful internal and external audits.
Gross margin and profitability improvement.
Financial process efficiency.
Effective commercial and operational financial support.
Accurate management of import costs, foreign exchange exposure, and international trade finance.