East London: Finance Manager

Our client, a leading international automotive manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Finance Manager to lead its finance function in East London. As part of a globally recognised group, the company specialises in the manufacturing of complex automotive body assemblies and supplies leading OEM customers. This role offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic manufacturing environment while collaborating closely with local leadership and international group finance teams. The Role Reporting directly to the Managing Director and functionally to Group Finance, the Finance Manager will be responsible for the overall financial management, reporting, governance, compliance, and administration of the business. The successful candidate will lead a small finance team and play a key role in supporting strategic and operational decision-making. Key Responsibilities: Financial Reporting & Governance Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Compile management accounts, board reports, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Conduct variance analysis and provide meaningful financial insights to management. Establish and maintain robust financial controls and reporting processes. Budgeting & Forecasting Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning processes. Monitor performance against budgets and forecasts. Conduct monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial analysis. Treasury & Cash Flow Management Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity requirements. Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, insurers, and other financial stakeholders. Oversee debtor management, insurance, foreign exchange, financing, and factoring activities. Ensure compliance with company authorisation and delegation frameworks. Accounting, Administration & Internal Controls Manage the day-to-day activities of the finance department. Review and validate reconciliations across debtors, creditors, cashbooks, assets, inventory, and general ledger accounts. Drive continuous improvement of financial systems, controls, and reporting processes. Support administrative and operational requirements alongside the Managing Director. Audit, Tax & Compliance Coordinate interim and annual external audits. Prepare audit packs, financial statements, and supporting schedules. Ensure compliance with all tax, statutory, and regulatory requirements. Assist with company secretarial and governance obligations. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Management Accounting, or a related field. 8–10 years of progressive finance experience. Minimum 5 years’ experience within a manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or plant controlling environment. Proven experience managing a finance team and engaging with senior stakeholders. Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, taxation, statutory reporting, and financial controls. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Hands-on ERP experience, preferably SAP or SAP S/4HANA. Advantageous Qualifications Honours Degree, CTA, CA(SA), CIMA, CGMA, or equivalent professional qualification. Experience with OneStream or similar Group reporting platforms. Key Competencies High levels of accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent financial reporting and variance analysis skills. Strong organisational and planning capabilities. Effective communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work independently and take ownership of the finance function. Benefits Pension Fund Medical Aid Funeral Cover Life Cover Disability Cover Application Information,