SASA has an employment opportunity for an experienced Finance and Commercial Manager (Onsite) to lead the financial and commercial aspects of STC and provide trusted, professional guidance and support to line managers within STC.You will be based in Mount Edgecombe, Durban

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) is the regulator of the sugar industry in South Africa and provides a range of specialist services that enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.

The Shukela Training Centre (STC), a subsidiary of SASA, is a well-regarded training institution established more than 50 years ago. STC delivers high-quality agricultural and engineering training to learners from sugar and beyond. 

As STC's overall financial and commercial expert, you will report to the Finance Director, with a reporting line to the STC General Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial Management: Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and review divisional payroll to ensure accurate information and compliance with SASA finance policies and budget guidelines
• Commercial Management: Develop and implement commercial strategies to grow STC revenue, improve profitability, cost efficiencies and strengthen STC's sustainability and competitiveness
• Financial Analysis: Analyse financial performance to identify trends, risks and opportunities, and provide insights to support business decisions
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and financial models to align with STC business objectives
• Financial Reporting and audit support: Prepare and present monthly management reports to the SASA Executive Committee and Quarterly Review Reports to the STC Management and the STC (Pty) Ltd Board as required.,
• Prepare reports and management responses to recommendations arising from internal and external audits. In addition, prepare working paper files for external audit, including drafting of annual financial statements and preparation and submission of income tax
• Commercial Negotiations: Negotiate training contracts, agreements and partnerships to achieve STC's business objectives
• Enterprise Risk Management: Identify, assess and mitigate STC financial and commercial risks to ensure business continuity, including detecting and preventing fraud, abuse or misuse of company resources while assuming responsibility for managing the overall STC Risk Register
• Team Management: Lead and manage the finance and bookings office team, providing guidance, coaching and development opportunities
• Additional responsibilities: Support the marketing of STC, coordinate tender submissions, contribute to project management and development of business plans

Minimum Requirements:

• A clear credit and criminal record

• CA (SA) with 5 years' relevant experience in a centralised corporate accounting environment with large teams

• Excellent knowledge of MS Excel and MS Word, with experience in Syspro or a similar accounting package
• Thorough understanding of financial, cost management accounting practices and procedures, including budgeting and forecasting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with internal and external customers at different levels
• Strong leadership skills and interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and the ability to plan and organise effectively
• Ability to work under pressure and meet stringent deadlines

We will contact applicants who best meet our requirements and request a more detailed CV as well as copies of their academic record.  If you do not have a copy of your academic transcript, please contact your university to obtain one.  SASA follows a comprehensive recruitment process that includes formal assessments of cognitive abilities and preferred behavioural styles.