Role Purpose:

The Senior Financial Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial management and reporting functions of the business by ensuring accurate financial records, effective financial controls, and compliance with regulatory and governance standards. The role supports strategic decision-making through financial analysis, budgeting, and performance monitoring while ensuring the integrity of financial information. The Financial Manager works closely with senior management and operational teams to support financial planning, optimise financial performance, and maintain strong financial governance within Merchant West.

Main Accountabilities:

1. Credit Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Conduct detailed credit assessments of new and existing clients in line with Merchant West credit policies.
• Analyse financial statements, cash flows, and risk indicators to determine creditworthiness.
• Identify potential risks and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures.

2. Financial Reporting and Management Accounts

• Prepare and review accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports in line with reporting deadlines.
• Ensure financial reports provide clear insights into business performance and financial position.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data used for internal and external reporting.

3. Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Develop and manage annual budgets aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Monitor budget performance and analyse variances against actual results.
• Provide financial forecasts to support planning and business decision-making.

4. Financial Controls and Compliance

• Ensure strong financial controls are implemented and maintained across finance processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audit processes and address audit findings where required.

5. Cash Flow and Treasury Management

• Monitor and manage the organisation’s cash flow and liquidity position.
• Ensure timely management of payments, collections, and treasury activities.
• Provide regular cash flow forecasts to support financial planning. 

6. Financial Analysis and Business Performance

• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic and operational decisions.
• Monitor financial performance indicators and identify areas for improvement.
• Support business units with financial analysis and performance reporting.

7. Finance Team Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Provide leadership and guidance to the finance team to ensure effective performance.
• Ensure timely completion of financial processes and operational finance tasks.
• Promote strong financial governance and accountability within the finance function

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIMA, or ACCA is required or strongly preferred.
• Postgraduate qualification in Finance, Business, or Management would be advantageous.

Experience:

• 3 - 5 years of Post Article Experience.
• Managing and overseeing financial reporting, management accounts, and financial statements.
• Leading budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Overseeing financial controls, compliance, and audit processes.
• Managing cash flow, treasury functions, and financial performance analysis.
• Leading finance teams and driving financial strategy and operational efficiency.

Skills:

• Financial management and reporting
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Financial analysis and business performance monitoring
• Cash flow and treasury management
• Financial controls and regulatory compliance
• Management accounting and variance analysis
• Financial systems and reporting tools utilisation
• Team leadership and finance operations management

Competencies:

• Commercial judgement and financial acumen
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Decision making and sound financial judgement
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• Leadership and team development
• Accountability and ownership
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Integrity and governance discipline