Assistant Finance Manager

Company Overview

Carrol Boyes is a premium South African lifestyle and homeware brand, celebrated for its distinctive designs and craftsmanship across functional art, homeware, and accessories. With 43 physical stores across South Africa, a growing e-commerce platform, and a wholesale presence, we operate in a dynamic and entrepreneurial retail environment.

Our finance team plays a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting operational decision-making, and enabling the company’s continued growth both locally and internationally. We operate in a fast-paced environment where finance partners closely with all areas of the business.

Position Overview

We are seeking a high-calibre Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) to join our finance team as an Assistant Finance Manager. This role is ideally suited to a newly qualified CA(SA) looking to transition from audit into a commercially focused role within a dynamic retail business.

The successful candidate will support the Finance Manager in overseeing financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data across all revenue channels including retail, e-commerce, and wholesale.

In addition to core financial responsibilities, this role offers exposure to cross-functional business projects, systems improvements, and strategic initiatives across the organisation, providing an excellent platform for professional growth and development.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Support the Finance Manager in managing the month-end and year-end close processes

• Maintain accurate general ledger records across multiple entities

• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all accounts are appropriately supported

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial analyses

• Maintain fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules

• Assist with the preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS

• Ensure accurate financial reporting across the company’s retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including VAT, PAYE, and other tax obligations

• Support the external audit process, including preparation of supporting documentation and liaison with auditors

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls and governance processes

• Ensure financial policies and procedures are adhered to across finance operations

Operational Finance

• Work closely with creditors, debtors, and inventory functions to ensure accurate financial recording and cut-off

• Oversee inventory accounting across retail stores, wholesale, and online channels

• Review and maintain intercompany transactions and reconciliations

• Support the budgeting and forecasting process

• Assist with working capital management and cash flow monitoring

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilise the ERP system to maintain financial data integrity and support operational efficiency

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, and internal controls

• Assist in automating manual processes and improving financial workflows

• Support finance transformation initiatives and systems improvements

Business Projects & Strategic Support

• Support the Finance Manager and leadership team on cross-functional business projects

• Provide financial input into initiatives relating to retail expansion, e-commerce growth, and operational improvements

• Participate in projects aimed at improving financial reporting, operational efficiency, and business performance

• Contribute to the development of financial insights to support strategic decision-making

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))– essential

• SAICA articles completed at a recognised audit firm

• Newly qualified CA(SA)s are encouraged to apply

• Post-articles commercial experience advantageous but not required

• Exposure to retail, FMCG, or multi-entity environments advantageous

• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (experience with Odoo advantageous)

• Advanced Excel proficiency and strong financial analysis capability

Key Competencies

• Strong technical accounting ability and understanding of financial controls

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across departments

• Commercial mindset and interest in understanding business operations

• Proactive approach to process improvement and operational efficiency