Johannesburg: Senior Financial Accountant (Manufacturing Sector) posted by Headhunters

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding manufacturing company, is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Financial Accountant to join their finance team.

The successful candidate will hold a relevant accounting qualification (e.g. BCom Accounting or Financial Management) with substantial hands-on finance experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment, bringing strong technical and analytical capability to the role.

A awesome career opportunity awaits the successful candidate.

Requirements:

• Relevant Accounting Degree (e.g. BCom Accounting, BCompt, BCom Financial Management, BTech Cost and Management Accounting).
• 812 years total finance experience, with at least 35 years in a senior or supervisory role (e.g. Accountant, Finance Supervisor, or Finance Manager).
• Proven experience in management accounts, audit coordination, costing, and cash-flow forecasting.
• Ideally with manufacturing sector exposure, though not mandatory if theyve run similar complex environments (engineering, logistics, production, etc.).
• Solid understanding of financial reporting, variance analysis, and internal controls
• Working knowledge of IFRS and sound financial governance
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (Sage Evolution, SAP, Xero, or equivalent)
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day finance operations, including journals, payables, and receivables.
• Prepare, analyse, and present monthly management reports with clear financial commentary and variance insights.
• Monitor, manage, and forecast short and long-term cash flows.
• Conduct detailed financial and variance analysis to support strategic and operational decision making.
• Drive the review and improvement of financial processes to strengthen control and efficiency.
• Perform and review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Conduct product costing, stock analysis, and margin performance reviews.
• Drive compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and company policies.
• Support the Financial Director in board reporting, external audits, and statutory submissions
• Maintain accurate and compliant accounting records across all business entities.
• Prepare and manage the companys annual budgets, monthly forecasting and performance monitoring
• Assist with the preparation of annual financial statements and ensure audit readiness.
• Analyse and address stock variances identified during monthly stock take and drive resolution thereof.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register and support capital project tracking.

Key Performance Areas:

• Timely and accurate monthly management accounts pack preparation
• Comprehensive financial and variance analysis
• Oversight and review of balance sheet reconciliations
• Cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working-capital optimisation
• Costing analysis to support production and profitability
• Review and enhancement of internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Budgeting preparation and variance tracking
• Audit preparation, statutory reporting, and annual financial statement readiness

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong accounting knowledge and understanding of IFRS principles
• Analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities
• High attention to detail and professional accuracy
• Advanced Excel and ERP proficiency
• Deadline-driven with excellent time management
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership potential
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to work under pressure
• Integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Audit proficiency and sound understanding of risk and controls

General Information

• Reports to : Head of Finance
• Remuneration: Market-related, based on qualifications and experience
• Location: On-site, Johannesburg Industria

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within two weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.