Job Description

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Finance Manager - Manufacturing | Strategic & Hands-On Leadership Role
Take ownership of the finance function within a well-established manufacturing business with international group exposure.
SQ1 Recruitment is partnering with a reputable manufacturing organisation that processes raw materials into finished products and operates as part of a larger international group. The business is looking for an experienced Finance Manager to lead the full finance function, manage a team of six, and act as a trusted financial and commercial partner to the Managing Director.
This role is ideal for a qualified, people-focused finance professional who enjoys being visible in the business, engaging with stakeholders, and driving sound financial decision-making in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
Full responsibility for the finance function, reporting directly to the Managing Director
Preparation and presentation of monthly management accounts, financial statements, and variance analysis
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant reporting in line with IFRS, statutory, and group requirements
Oversee general ledger integrity, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow reporting
Manage annual financial statements and liaise with external auditors
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Control
Develop and manage annual budgets and rolling forecasts
Monitor and analyse manufacturing costs, including:
Cost of sales
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Labour and overhead absorption
Provide insight into pricing, margins, and profitability by product or project
Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements
Manufacturing & Operational Finance
Partner closely with production and operational teams to improve financial performance
Ensure accurate inventory valuation, WIP reporting, and stock controls
Analyse production variances and manufacturing efficiencies
Support capital expenditure planning and return-on-investment analysis
Cash Flow, Compliance & Governance
Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity
Oversee debtors, creditors, invoicing, and credit control functions
Ensure compliance with tax legislation (VAT, PAYE, Income Tax) and the Companies Act
Maintain strong internal controls, governance, and risk management frameworks
Support group, statutory, and regulatory audits where required
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team of six
Act as a key business partner to the Managing Director, translating financial data into commercial insight
Engage confidently with internal stakeholders, auditors, banks, and group finance
Contribute to strategic planning, tenders, and key business decisions
Requirements
Candidate Requirements
Proven experience as a Finance Manager within a manufacturing environment
(processing raw materials into finished goods)
10 years' relevant finance experience, including leadership responsibility
Strong financial qualification, such as:
CA(SA) preferred, or
Degree with postgraduate qualification, articles, and solid management experience
Solid exposure to cost accounting, inventory, and WIP management
Experience working within a medium to large manufacturing business (More than R300 Million turnover)
Hands-on experience with Syspro (essential)
Advanced Excel skills
Comfortable working within an international or group reporting structure
A visible, approachable leader with strong people and communication skills
Commercially minded, confident engaging with non-financial stakeholders
Background Checks will include: Criminal, Qualification Verification, Clear Credit Record, Previous Employer References.
Benefits
Salary & Benefits
Competitive market-related salary package (to be finalised based on experience)
Opportunity to join a stable, established manufacturing business
International group exposure and strategic leadership interaction
Long-term career opportunity in a collaborative, hands-on environment
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Finance Manager from a manufacturing background who enjoys leading people and partnering closely with the business, we would love to hear from you. Apply directly through SQ1 Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Disclaimer
By applying for this position, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) for recruitment purposes.

Skills Required