Durban: Financial Manager (QSR) – KZN

THE ROLE To lead and control the full finance function for a multi-store QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) franchise group, ensuring strong daily financial controls, accurate reporting, statutory compliance, and commercially focused insights. The role requires regular travel to all outlets to conduct on-site financial audits, compliance reviews, stock and cash checks, and to work closely with Operations and Store Management to ensure financial discipline at outlet level. KEY OUTCOMES Accurate monthly management accounts per store and consolidated group Strong daily controls over sales, cash, banking and inventory Reduced waste, shrinkage and margin leakage through on-site audits On-time statutory and tax compliance A disciplined, well-led finance team Consistent financial compliance across all outlets KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Financial Leadership & Team Management: Lead, manage and develop the finance team Allocate and review daily, weekly and month-end outputs Implement finance SOPs, approval matrices and controls Ensure audit-ready processes and documentation Store Audits, Compliance & Travel: Travel regularly to all outlets to perform on-site financial audits Conduct cash-up, safe count, float and banking compliance checks Review store adherence to financial SOPs and franchisor requirements Verify stock management practices and investigate variances Produce store audit reports with action plans Daily Sales, Cash & Revenue Control: Oversee POS sales reconciliations vs bank deposits and delivery platforms Monitor voids, refunds, discounts and exception reports Investigate discrepancies and escalate non-compliance Maintain fraud prevention and loss-control measures Cost of Sales, Stock & Supplier Control: Analyse theoretical vs actual food and packaging costs Review stock counts, waste and shrinkage trends Oversee supplier invoice matching and creditor reconciliations Partner with Operations to reduce cost leakage Management Reporting & Performance Analysis: Prepare monthly management accounts per store and consolidated Deliver KPI dashboards and variance analysis Benchmark store performance and identify risks/opportunities Budgeting, Forecasting & Cashflow: Lead annual budgets and rolling forecasts Manage cashflow forecasting and working capital Support capex planning and ROI tracking Statutory, Tax & Governance: Review and submit VAT returns and reconciliations Oversee payroll statutory compliance (PAYE/UIF/SDL) Coordinate annual financial statements and audits Manage relationships with accountants, auditors and banks Operational Partnership: Work closely with Operations and Store Managers Provide financial training to store management Support new store openings and system rollouts KEY KPIs: Month-end close by Day 5–7 Sales reconciliation exceptions resolved within 48 hours Stock variance and waste within thresholds 100% on-time statutory submissions Completion of scheduled store audits with documented outcomes MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Qualifications: BCom Accounting / Finance or equivalent CIMA / SAICA / SAIPA very advantageous Experience & requirements: 5–8 years in QSR, retail, franchise or multi-site finance roles Proven finance team leadership experience Hands-on store audit and control experience Must have valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle