Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance

About the Company

We are a fast-growing retail and wholesale distribution business operating in a high-performance warehouse and operational environment. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we are looking for a hands-on Head of Finance to support financial teams.

Job Purpose

The Head of Finance is responsible for leading the group finance function across multiple international operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial reporting. The role combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on execution, including financial reporting, consolidation, tax management, treasury, budgeting, financial systems, automation, and team leadership. The incumbent will drive financial performance, support business decision-making, and champion process improvements through technology and artificial intelligence.

Job Description

This is a senior finance leadership role within a multinational importer and distributor of consumer electronics and accessories. The successful candidate will oversee the end-to-end finance function, including group financial reporting, multi-currency consolidations, management accounting, tax and compliance, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, and financial systems. The role requires a hands-on approach, with direct involvement in detailed financial processes, reporting, reconciliations, and audit management, while leading and developing the finance team.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Consolidation

Prepare consolidated and separate annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

Manage multi-entity and multi-currency group consolidations.

Oversee intercompany reconciliations and eliminations.

Lead year-end close processes, journal reviews, and audit preparation.

Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.

Management Accounting & Business Performance

Produce monthly management accounts and financial reports.

Conduct variance analysis, margin reporting, profitability assessments, and commercial performance reviews.

Prepare executive and board reporting packs.

Provide financial insights to support business decision-making.

Tax & Compliance

Manage direct and indirect tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and company secretarial requirements.

Support corporate transactions and related accounting and tax considerations.

Treasury, Working Capital & Controls

Oversee cash flow management, banking, and reconciliations.

Manage debtors, creditors, inventory, and marketplace settlement reconciliations.

Maintain strong internal controls, audit trails, and financial governance.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Monitor and report on performance against budgets and forecasts.

Finance Systems, Data & Automation

Drive finance reporting, systems optimisation, and automation initiatives.

Develop and maintain reporting dashboards and data integrations.

Leverage AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.

Continuously improve finance processes and reporting timelines.

Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.

Collaborate with operational, commercial, supply chain, and executive stakeholders across the group.

Qualifications & Experience:

• CA(SA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA).
• 6–10+ years of post-qualification experience in senior finance roles.
• Experience within a multinational or group finance environment.
• Proven experience preparing consolidated IFRS financial statements.
• Strong knowledge of multi-currency and multi-entity consolidations.
• Experience managing external audits.
• Strong tax and compliance knowledge across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience within wholesale, retail, import, distribution, FMCG, or consumer electronics environments is advantageous.
• Understanding of inventory management, margins, rebates, and major retail and marketplace trading models.

Additional Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of IFRS, including consolidations, foreign currency accounting, financial instruments, revenue recognition, leases, and associate accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong ERP, SQL, and reporting systems experience.
• Demonstrated interest and capability in applying AI and automation within finance functions.
• Hands-on approach with willingness to perform detailed financial work when required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial acumen.
• Exceptional attention to detail and reconciliation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced international environment.

SMD Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of employment equity. In accordance with the Company's Employment Equity Plan and the requirements of the Employment Equity Act, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups. Applications from persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Application Question(s):

• What is your current and expected salary?
• What qualification do you have?
• How many years of experience do you have in a senior finance role?

Work Location: In person