Job Description

Oxford University Press Southern Africa

Oxford University Press advances knowledge and learning of all kinds, from a child reading their first words to a researcher expanding the frontiers of their field. Our work is constantly evolving, and the possibilities are endless. We strive to help more and more people around the world achieve their potential.



Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It is our mission to further the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Financial Operations Manager

(Permanent position)

The Financial Operations Manager is instrumental in maintaining the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of the business across its African markets. This role is responsible for overseeing core financial processes, ensuring they are executed with accuracy, timeliness, and in full compliance with both local and international financial standards. In addition to operational oversight, the role supports strategic decision-making by delivering reliable financial insights and upholding robust internal controls within diverse regulatory environments.



The Financial Operations Manager will be reporting to the Finance Director, Africa. This post is based at Goodwood.

Principal Accountabilities:

Lead the preparation of internal and external financial reports and statements

Oversee and timely execution of month-end and year-end closing processes in alignment with group policies and procedures. Coordinate and deliver all statutory and regulatory reporting requirements across markets. Maintain high standards of quality control over financial transactions, reporting outputs, and the underlying processes that support them. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all finalised and submitted financial reports. Provide oversight of accounting activities across all relevant departments to ensure consistency and compliance. Utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Drive the standardization and continuous improvement of financial operations processes and procedures by:

Reviewing, updating, and documenting current process maps to ensure clarity and consistency. Conducting ongoing evaluations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with evolving business needs. Leveraging technology and automation to streamline routine tasks and enhance operational efficiency. Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and delivering regular insights and recommendations to the Finance Director. Leading regular reviews of financial operations to identify improvement opportunities and ensure best practices are maintained. Control environment; Identification and flagging of financial, operational and compliance business risks for implementation of appropriate applicable controls

Financial Statement Preparation & Review:

Prepare and review all financial statements for submission, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Ensure all submissions comply with applicable financial reporting frameworks for each territory and are delivered within required timelines.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure full compliance with financial regulations across all jurisdictions in which the company operates. Coordinate and manage the timely delivery of annual external audits across territories. Lead internal audit processes, ensuring satisfactory or higher audit outcomes.

Internal Controls Management:

Strengthen and maintain the internal control framework to address operational risks and ensure the integrity of the accounting function within Africa Finance. Ensure Delegation of Limits of Authority (DLA) is current and consistently implemented across all territories. Align and update business policies and procedures in accordance with the DLA. Ensure the Chart of Accounts is accurately maintained and updated in a timely manner.

Team Leadership & Development:

Set clear roles, responsibilities, and performance goals aligned with organisational objectives. Invest in team development through training, cross-functional learning, and continuous improvement initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability by assigning clear deliverables, adhering to performance review processes, and promoting ownership.

Qualifications and Experience

CA (SA), ACCA, CIMA qualified Minimum of 5 years managerial experience in financial operations or shared services Global finance experience will be advantageous Proven ability to design, implement, and improve standardized processes across multiple business units or regions. Proficiency in SAP (or similar) and workflow automation tools. Skilled in managing relationships with internal customers, vendors, and external partners. Experience in defining and managing SLAs, KPIs, and performance metrics for finance operations.

Attributes:

Build strong connections and fosters collaboration across teams Communicates clearly and inspires confidence Focused on action, results, and timely delivery Demonstrates commitment and reliability Shows integrity and sensitivity in multicultural environments Embrace innovation and continuous improvement

Oxford Offers the following:

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience Pension and medical aid benefits Statutory leave Training opportunities Engaging work in a rewarding and ethical environment.

Oxford University Press, an equal opportunity employer, seeks a talented individual to fill this post based in the Goodwood, Cape Town. Oxford University Press will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need for transformation.



Closing date: 04 September 2025