Financial Manager

Job Description

The Feedem Group is Looking for a Financial Manager to become an invaluable partner to the Feedem and Empact Group General Managers and will be their contact for all matters concerning financial performance and analysis; continuously seeking opportunities for improvements to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations.

Provide commercial decision support for Operations and Functions across the business including providing accurate financial information to guide senior executives in their decision making on an operational level, with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, business planning and financial modelling.

Develop a Teamwork culture that fosters application competence, service excellence, customer focus and business process knowledge.

Established in 1975, Feedem is a large contract catering company in South Africa which manages in excess of 300 sites and employs more than 5 000 people ranging from dieticians, chefs and human capital specialists to hygiene experts.

We provide a wide range of catering and associated services to clients in all industries. We customise our catering and services according to their needs. Our services are offered with confidence as everything we do is underpinned by an ethical code and full compliance with all the relevant industry standards and regulations.

We have a country-wide footprint with our head office in Johannesburg, and regional offices in Cape Town, Durban, George, Worcester, Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg, Kimberley and Bloemfontein.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Accounting in line with IFRS

• Performance reporting and analytical
• Month end financial review to ensure that revenue and costs are aligned for the month of reporting.
• Review performance with the General Managers of Operations and Finance prior to and after closing off
• Providing the regions and divisions with all the accurate reporting required to help them manage their areas including monthly summaries of actual performance within the respective timelines for each entity
• Balance sheet reconciliations – to be signed off by the 15th of each month on the shared drive for the regions under your sphere of control

Financial Planning

• Develop and manage financial plans and forecasts to support the company's strategic goals.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, including preparing, reviewing, and finalizing budgets across all departments under sphere of responsibility.
• Support capital planning / resource allocation via inputs into the AIC approval model (Capex).
• Prepare monthly forecasting, identify shortfalls to budget, and recommend corrective actions. Engage with GM operations to put together a plan to mitigate the gap to budget – report on the achievement of these plans monthly.

Billing and Credit Control

• Ensure Active Contracts for the regions are ALL billed. Where discrepancies – resolve.
• Cash Flow Management
• Manage the company's cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operations and investments.
• Ensure that the average debtors days targets are met monthly
• Have active involvement in the resolution of overdue debt to maintain debtors days and overdue debt below target.

Other Financial Activities

• Management of the Fixed asset register, including Purchase and transfer capex management; ensuring the details on the fixed asset register are accurate
• Review of purchases to ensure in line with budget, signed off as per the limits of authority, and captured to correct GL and cost centers.
• Identify and manage financial risks related to the company's operations and market environment.
• Ensure adequate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Relationship Management

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance department.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, and suppliers.
• Work closely with other departments, including Operations, Sales, and Procurement, to support business initiatives and drive financial performance
• Work closely and provide pro-active assistance, advice and warnings with the Operations department relating to new customers, customer contracts, payment terms and collections.

Training and Development

• Management of Staff, including the billing, AR, and financial admin Staff. Provide accounting and SAP training as required.
• Provide guidance, feedback, and reinforcement to team members regarding development needs and opportunities, and secure resources to support development efforts.
• Oversee the training and development of team members to ensure competency in performing their duties effectively and efficiently. Leverage technology to enhance financial reporting and analysis.
• Continuously monitor and introduce areas for improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• BCompt, Bcom Accounting or 12 years relevant and sufficient experience
• CA (SA) advantageous

Skills / Competencies required

• Perfomance Driven and Self - Starter
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems (SAP, Unit 4 and MS Office)
• Sound knowledge of people management with the ability to form close working relationships and communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial staff.
• Sound knowledge of risk management and business management principles
• Sound knowledge of Basic Financial principles (incl Cost analysis, Business Case reviews and Investment analysis). Popi Act compliance is vital.
• Sound knowledge of Health and Safety policies and processes.
• Sound knowledge of Contract management and Credit Management.
• Sound knowledge of data analytical methodologies with ability to reconcile complex accounts.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, preferably within the catering, food services, or related industries.
• English / additional SA language would be advantageous
• Experience with Finacial Information Systems and other Operational Support Systems
• Advanced MS Office proficiency
• Valid driver's licence with own vehicle