Job Description

About the Role
Our client is seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to build and manage core finance operations. You will establish the finance function from the ground up, oversee day-to-day accounting, and provide forward-looking financial models to guide strategic decisions.
This is an operator role--you'll roll up your sleeves to implement processes, ensure accurate reporting, and create actionable insights that support growth and stability.
Key Responsibilities
Own the Books: Set up and manage accounting from scratch in Xero; maintain the general ledger, reconcile accounts, and prepare monthly closes.
Payables & Approvals: Oversee supplier payment cycles, manage approval workflows, and improve vendor management and payment terms.
Cash Flow Management: Build and maintain 13-week cash flow forecasts, monitor runway, identify risks, and recommend actions.
Financial Modeling & Forecasting: Develop short- and long-term financial models, scenario plans, and unit economics dashboards to support decision-making.
Reporting & Insights: Deliver monthly management reports, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and key KPIs.
Systems & Controls: Design reliable yet lightweight finance policies, close checklists, and internal controls appropriate for a growing company.
Compliance Support: Coordinate with external accountants and advisors on tax, payroll inputs, and statutory filings.
Cross-Functional Partnership: Work with leadership and department heads to budget, track spend, and improve margins.
Required Qualifications
Based in South Africa with full-time availability.
4+ years of experience in accounting or finance with full ownership of bookkeeping and monthly close.
Proficiency in Xero.
Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills, including cash flow forecasting and scenario modeling.
Experience managing accounts payable cycles, supplier payments, and approvals.
Process-oriented and capable of building systems and controls in a lean environment.
Strong communicator who can translate financial data into clear business recommendations.
Nice to Have
Experience working in high-growth startups or small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Exposure to investment tracking, foreign exchange (FX), or multi-entity structures.
Familiarity with budgeting tools or lightweight business intelligence (BI) platforms.
Tools Used
Xero - Accounting
Excel / Google Sheets - Financial modeling and reporting

Skills Required