Gauteng: Finance Manager Operations (Costing) posted by Smith Garb

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Costing & Operational Finance

• Own and manage overhead costs, standard costing, monthly hours, and hourly rate accuracy.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for all direct costs and logistics.
• Run product costing reviews across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Track, explain, and challenge PPV (purchase price variance) and production variances.

Inventory, Supply Chain & Working Capital

• Analyse manufacturing and supply chain data to spot trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner with planning teams on SLOB (slow-moving and obsolete) inventory provisions.
• Support working capital improvement through practical, data-backed recommendations.
• Maintain product master data and manage SAP condition tables.

Business Partnering

• Work closely with operations, supply chain, engineering, and section leaders to help them understand costs, budgets, and financial impacts.
• Partner with sales on pricing decisions, margin analysis, and customer profitability.
• Support engineering and operations with cost-efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.

Financial Modelling & CAPEX

• Build and support financial models, business cases, and CAPEX evaluations.
• Prepare clear insights and reporting for senior leadership and auditors.

Safety & Compliance

• Actively drive and reinforce a zero-harm safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with all group and divisional financial policies.

What You Bring

• BCom Honours in Management Accounting
• CIMA / CA / ACCA
• 5–8 years in a senior financial or cost management role
• Strong experience in manufacturing, especially heavy industry (steel, foundry, engineering, or similar)
• Deep understanding of complex production processes and cost structures
• Proficient with ERP systems (SAP a plus) and advanced Excel/Office
• Strong analytical, variance analysis, and modelling skills
• Comfortable explaining financial concepts to non-finance teams
• Confident engaging with auditors and regional finance leaders

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, well-managed budgeting and cost structures
• Operations teams understand their numbers and use them effectively
• Product costing is consistent, reliable, and meaningful
• Inventory risks are flagged early and managed proactively
• Strong relationships built with section leaders, auditors, and regional finance teams
• A visible impact on cost savings, efficiency, and overall financial performance