Junior Financial & Commercial Manager

SUMMARY:
Hermanus area. My client, an established and growing boutique wine and agricultural enterprise in the beautiful Overberg, is seeking a dynamic, ambitious and commercially astute junior Financial & Commercial Manager to join their team.

This opportunity will appeal to a driven junior finance professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and broaden their exposure to the commercial and operational aspects of a growing business.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, hands-on and forward-thinking, with a strong financial grounding, a natural commercial instinct and the confidence to take initiative. Someone who is eager to make their mark, embrace responsibility and grow into a key management role within an evolving enterprise will thrive in this environment.

POSITION INFO:
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:  To oversee the overall financial and commercial management of the business, ensuring sound financial control, effective planning and sustainable profitability.
The role provides strategic financial support to the CEO, drives business performance, manages commercial risks and identifies opportunities for growth, improved efficiencies and increased shareholder returns across all operational divisions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the full financial function, including creditors, debtors, payroll, banking, reconciliations and statutory compliance
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, working capital, loan accounts and insurance
• Prepare management accounts, financial statements, budgets, forecasts and financial reports
• Manage external audits, financial controls, policies and procedures
• Provide commercial and strategic financial support to the CEO, driving profitability, efficiencies and shareholder returns
• Identify business opportunities, assess investments, manage commercial risks and support capital-raising initiatives
• Oversee financial planning, capital expenditure and infrastructure projects
• Manage financial accounting, cost control, stock management and reporting across farming and wine production operations
• Oversee wine production costing, pricing, SAWIS compliance and commercial cellar agreements
• Manage the financial and commercial aspects of warehousing, storage, labelling, logistics, distribution and related service agreements
• Oversee e-commerce financial integration, sales reporting, reconciliations and agency agreements
• Manage and improve accounting systems, including upgrades and integration with Commerce 7
• Lead and oversee finance personnel, ensuring effective administration, accurate data management and reporting

• BCom Accounting, Financial Management or equivalent qualification; CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA or SAIPA advantageous
• At least 4 years relevant financial experience
• Proven experience managing a full financial function, with commercial and operational exposure
• Experience in agriculture, wine production, manufacturing, FMCG or distribution advantageous
• Strong financial and management accounting, reporting and statutory compliance knowledge, including VAT, PAYE, UIF and EMP201
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, liquidity and cost management
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems, systems integration and advanced Excel
• Knowledge of stock control, production costing and multi-business-unit accounting
• Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking and business performance management
• Proven leadership, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Hands-on, proactive and solutions-driven, with excellent communication skills
• Highly organised, detail-oriented and able to work independently with integrity and accountability