Howick: Financial Manager

Position Title: Financial Manager Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Location: Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa. Type: Full-time The Financial Manager will play a key role in driving financial performance, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness across the business. This role combines strong technical accounting knowledge with a practical focus on cost accounting, cashflow management, and lean business practices. The Financial Manager will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, support strategic decision-making, and implement systems that enhance productivity and financial discipline. Key Responsibilities: Financial Management & Reporting Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts in line with accounting Oversee general ledger integrity, reconciliations, and internal Support the CFO in preparing board reports, budgets, and Manage tax, compliance, and audit Cost Accounting & Business Analysis Develop and maintain cost accounting systems to track, analyse, and report on product, service, and process costs. Identify cost drivers, variances, and opportunities for Partner with operations, supply chain, and commercial teams to optimise cost Provide clear reporting on margins, profitability, and value Cashflow & Working Capital Monitor daily cash balances and forecast cashflow Manage working capital, including receivables, payables, and inventory Support funding, treasury, and banking Lean Financial Management Apply lean principles to financial reporting and processes to eliminate waste, improve accuracy, and shorten reporting cycles. Provide decision-useful financial information aligned with business operations (e.g., value stream profitability, rolling forecasts). Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and Leadership & Collaboration Manage and develop the finance team (e.g., bookkeepers, creditors, analysts). Build cross-functional relationships to support business units in achieving financial and operational Uphold company values and foster a culture of accountability and Key Skills & Competencies: Good knowledge of financial and management accounting Proven expertise in cost accounting, budgeting, and variance Understanding of lean management concepts and their application in Advanced Excel and reporting skills; experience with ERP systems and BI tools (e.g., Power BI). Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related Minimum 5—7 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role, with at least 2 years in a managerial Exposure to manufacturing, agriculture, or supply chain industries Experience in lean accounting or continuous improvement environments is Remuneration: A competitive remuneration package will be offered in line with the scope, responsibilities and qualifications/relative experience of the candidate. Company information Our client develops and produces effective biological solutions for global crop protection and pest management. Our products harness the powers of nature to provide farmers and households with safe and effective alternatives to chemicals. Our campus is in a rural setting about 15km (of which 2.5km dirt) outside Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.