Job Description

a Popular Bunch (Pty) Ltd | Johannesburg



About us



a Popular Bunch is a leading experiential marketing agency delivering bold, innovative campaigns for major brands across South Africa. With 36 full-time employees and operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, we're a genuine 360 agency controlling every aspect of the process - from creative concept to fabrication to national execution. As a Level 1 B-BBEE company, we pride ourselves on bringing big ideas to life through flawless execution and relentless creativity.

The opportunity

We're seeking a strategic Finance Manager to partner with our CEO in driving business growth and operational excellence. This isn't just a numbers role - it's an opportunity to shape the financial future of a dynamic, fast-paced agency. You'll lead a team of four finance professionals while transforming our financial function from operational to strategic.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic partnership (40%)

Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations directly to the CEO

Develop financial models and scenario planning for business growth

Lead monthly strategic reviews and board reporting

Drive profitability analysis across divisions and projects

Support strategic decision-making with data-driven insights

Financial leadership (30%)

Manage and develop a team of 4 finance professionals

Oversee all financial operations including AP/AR, payroll, and reconciliations

Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures

Optimize cash flow management across multiple projects

Lead the monthly financial close process

Business intelligence (20%)

Create and maintain executive dashboards and KPIs

Analyze project profitability and recommend improvements

Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains

Develop budgets and forecasts with department heads

Systems and process improvement (10%)

Optimize use of CHASE, XERO, and other financial systems

Streamline financial processes and controls

Implement best practices for project-based businesses

REQUIREMENTS

W hat you'll bring

Essential requirements:

B.Com accounting/finance or equivalent

5-8 years' experience, with at least 2 years in management

Experience in agencies, events, or project-based businesses

Strong Excel and financial modeling skills

Experience with XERO and CHASE - non negotiable

Proven track record of business partnering with senior leadership

The ideal candidate:

Strategic thinker who can translate numbers into business insights

Comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments

Excellent communicator who can present complex financial information simply

Hands-on leader who can both strategise and execute

Ambitious professional looking to make a significant impact

What we offer

Direct reporting line to the CEO

Opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a growing business

Dynamic, creative work environment

Career growth as the business expands

Our culture



We're bold, creative, and fast-paced. We have each other's backs and celebrate team wins. Excellence is non-negotiable, and we pride ourselves on making things happen - often against the odds. If you thrive in an environment where no two days are the same and want to be part of bringing big ideas to life, we want to hear from you.

To apply

Send your CV and a brief note explaining why you're the strategic finance partner we need to

Please note:

Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team.