Finance Manager

The Finance Manager (Grade D3) is a critical leadership role based in Paarl, responsible for overseeing the financial health and operational efficiency of a large-scale poultry operation. This position demands a strategic approach to managing both Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX), ensuring that production costs are optimized and investment in infrastructure aligns with the company's growth objectives. The incumbent will drive rigorous management reporting to provide actionable insights for executive decision-making within a high-volume agricultural environment.

• Direct the end-to-end management of the OPEX budget, monitoring production costs, feed conversion ratios, and labour expenses to ensure operational efficiency.
• Lead the CAPEX planning and execution process, conducting rigorous financial feasibility studies and ROI analyses for new poultry infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
• Develop and present comprehensive monthly management reports, providing variance analysis and strategic commentary to the executive team.
• Implement robust cost-control measures to mitigate price volatility in raw materials and poultry market fluctuations.
• Oversee the accuracy of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and South African accounting standards.
• Manage the working capital cycle, ensuring optimal cash flow to support large-scale agricultural cycles and seasonal demands.
• Collaborate with operational managers to integrate financial targets into daily production activities.
• Ensure all financial processes and data handling comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous professional development.

• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in a financial management role, preferably within the agri-processing or FMCG sectors.
• Proven track record of managing multi-million ZAR CAPEX projects from inception to completion.
• Demonstrated experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing or large-scale farming environment.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and financial modelling tools.
• Experience in managing teams within the framework of the Labour Relations Act and Employment Equity Act.

Qualifications:

• Honours degree in Accounting or Financial Management (NQF Level 8).
• Professional registration with SAICA (CA(SA)) or CIMA is highly advantageous.

Key Skills: Strategic financial planning and forecasting., Advanced variance analysis and cost-benefit modelling., Agricultural financial reporting and biological asset valuation., Stakeholder management and executive communication., Budgetary control and fiscal discipline.