Financial Manager

About the position

We are looking for a hands-on FINANCIAL MANAGER to join our team on the farm outside White River. The financial manager will manage and oversee the financial operations of a diverse agricultural company in the macadamia nut, avocado, pig and meat industry. The financial manager forms part of the executive management team that is crucial to the strategic direction and development of the business. The Financial Manager reports to the CEO of the group of companies.

• Grade 12
• BCom degree with Accounting until third year-level, preferably with honors degree. CA, ACA, CIMA, ACMA or CPA or similar preferred.
• Three years or more experience in a similar role
• Experience in an agricultural business, advantageous
• Strong technical abilities and up to date knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium Entities
• Experience in the preparation and review of management accounts and the ability to critically analyse the financial information
• Experience in the preparation of year-end financial statements and managing annual external audits
• Experience of undertaking risk assessments, internal audits and/or assessing internal controls
• Knowledge of and experience with all SARS-related matters (VAT, PAYE, Income tax, Diesel Rebates etc.)
• Experience with HR-related matters such as payroll, COIDA, UIF, provident funds etc..
• Emotional intelligence
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate?????Core Financial Management Tasks

Planning & Control:
Annual budgets for each business unit
Cash flow forecasting and working capital management on a daily, weekly, monthly and longer-term basis.
Costing per hectare / per animal / per pack line / per kg processed
Margin analysis (export vs local markets, regional markets and areas, processing composition)
Capital investment analysis (irrigation, electricity, production efficiency and mechanisation)
Cash book updating

Financial Reporting:
Monthly management accounts available the 15th of the following month.
Variance analysis and feedback to business unit manager and the board (budget vs actual)
Financial and Production KPI Dashboards (yield, cost/kg, labour efficiency)
Audit preparation (internal & external)
Consolidate financial information for the whole farming operation for all the above.

Controls & Systems:
Internal financial controls and SOPs
Fraud prevention and procurement controls
Supplier controls and vetting
Inventory valuation (biological assets, chemicals, packaging, stock in hand)
Stock retention and stock control measures.
Identify cost drivers and implement systems and provide guidance to business unit managers to manage the impact of these drivers.

Regulatory, Tax and Statutory compliance
i. Monthly:

• PAYE
• UIF
• VAT submissions (input/output reconciliation) and planning ii. Bi-annual / Annual:
• EMP501 reconciliations
• Provisional tax (IRP6) (information provided to auditors)Information provided to auditors for Annual financial statements

Beneficial ownership and annual returns
Return of earnings for COIDA

COIDA Assessments
Maintain asset registers for tax depreciation.
Ensure correct classification of capital vs operational expenditure.
Manage diesel rebates.
AT zero-rating compliance.
COIDA registration, records of workplace injuries and claims.
Ensure that COIDA claims are processed correctly and cost of injuries are tracked (lost time, medical costs).

Payroll & labour compliance
Ensure accurate wage calculations (normal, overtime, public holidays) in line with contracts of employment.
Ensure that time and attendance records are audited and verified.
Ensure that leave records and deductions are maintained.
Ensure that payslips match hours worked.
Design and implement SOPs to ensure efficient labour and payroll management.
Analyse payroll data to identify labour efficiency improvements and or cost reductions.

Data analysis and strategic thinking:
Critically analyse all financial and production data to identify cost saving strategies as well as strategic opportunities and quantifying the opportunity cost.
Develop and maintain production and financial dashboards measuring the KPIs of each business unit and can inform strategic board decisions.

Traceability, risk management and record integrity
Record keeping & traceability:

Ensure financial records link to production records:
Input costs (fertiliser, chemicals, feed)
Batch costing per field / orchard / livestock unit / production unit
Maintain audit-ready documentation for:
Purchases and supplier approvals
Input expenditure
Align cost centres with farm blocks / production units

Track and report:

Water usage costs
Energy consumption
Waste and pest control management costs
Ensure that financial activities and records align with the standards as prescribed by certification bodies / standards for Global GAP, SIZA and other.
Financially evaluate strategic initiatives that could lead to lowering the costs of the above.

Human Resources
Assist and support the CEO in HR functions which include:
Staff recruitment
Staff onboarding
Staff performance evaluations where applicable

Oversee the maintaining of:
Employee records
Contracts
Permits
Other relevant documentation
Ensure compliance with labour law from a payroll and regulatory perspective in line with the tasks above.
Supplier, client and contract management
Assist with the negotiation of contracts with supplies and vendors.
Monitor supplier/vendor performance and ensure contractual obligations are met.

Educational Background:
Bachelor's degree in finance and accounting is a prerequisite.

Financial acumen:
Strong understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, financial reporting and analysis.
Able to interpret, analyse and communicate complex financial and production data in a manner that supports business development, efficiency improvements, cost-savings and increased profitability.
Ability to identify opportunity costs and suggest strategic and operational changes to leverage these opportunities.

Industry knowledge:
Familiarity with the agricultural and farming industry, including an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in pig farming, abattoir operations, fruit and cash crop farming, butchery, and deboning.
Experience and knowledge of all SARS, IFRS and other financial industry specific best practices, policies, processes and bookkeeping-related principles.

Experience:
Previous experience in financial management, preferably in a similar diversified agricultural setting.
Familiarity with financial software and systems.
Experience in providing strategic guidance to the executive management team within a similar diversified agricultural setting is preferred.

Desired Skills:

• CA
• ACA
• CIMA
• ACMA
• CPA

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level & Accreditations:

• Degree
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

About The Employer:

Farming, Abattoir, Fruits, Vegetables

Employer & Job Benefits:

• Housing including water and electricity
• R60 000 - R70 000