About the position
Our client is recruiting for a Financial Manager for their Agriculture division. This position ensures the financial integrity of production-related decisions, supports operational efficiency, and drives profitability improvements across all agricultural operations.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the financial planning, analysis, budgeting, forecasting and financial control of the company's agricultural operations. In addition you will provide commercial and strategic support to the Head of Agriculture by delivering actionable financial insights and support decision-making processes. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with financial regulations and implement effective financial controls and processes.
Responsibilities include:
Financial Planning, Analysis & Strategic Management:
- Developing and managing annual budgets and forecasts for agricultural operations
- Conducting variance analysis between budgeted and actual performance, investigating root causes and recommending corrective actions
- Providing financial insights to support production planning and capital expenditure
- Developing and managing competitive, profit-focused pricing strategies
- Ensuring pricing accuracy and maintaining pricing controls
Financial Management & Control:
- Managing cash flow and ensuring adequate liquidity for operations
- Developing cash flow forecasts and optimising working capital
- Monitoring receivables, payables, and inventory to improve cash cycles
- Ensuring accurate and timely preparation of financial reports with strict adherence to month-end close deadlines and compliance with internal and external stakeholder requirements
- Designing, implementing, and updating internal control systems
- Training staff on control procedures and ensuring compliance
Operational Support:
- Partnering with agricultural managers to provide financial insights that improve productivity and profitability
- Supporting decision-making for new crops, land use, and mechanisation projects
- Supporting capital expenditure evaluations and post-implementation reviews of projects in line with strategic goals
- Monitoring ROI and performance of key investments
Leadership & Development:
- Managing and mentoring finance staff allocated to the agriculture division
- Implementing best practices and innovative solutions across teams
- Promoting a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
Requirements:
- Registered Chartered Accountant CA(SA) essential
- Minimum of 5-7 years' financial management experience, including at least 3 years in an agriculture and/or production environment
- Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis with a commercial focus
- Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Sage X3, SAP)
- Strong analytical skills and highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
- Experience in cost accounting
- Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Understanding of the industry and its financial dynamics
- Must be fluent in both English and Afrikaans
Desired Skills:
- Financial Management
- Agriculture
- ERP systems
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Financial Analysis
- Afrikaans
