Junior Fractional Financial Manager

About the position

Our client is a professional financial services organisation that partners with SME's to strengthen their finance functions and support sustainable business growth. The business provides outsourced and fractional financial expertise across accounting, financial management, strategic finance, tax and compliance, payroll and related business support services.

An exciting opportunity is available for a Junior Fractional Financial Manager to manage and support the financial operations of a portfolio of clients based in Somerset West. This opportunity is particularly well suited to an ambitious accounting or finance professional who has completed, or is nearing completion of, a recognised professional qualification and wants to move beyond traditional accounting into financial management, commercial advisory and strategic client support.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports across an assigned client portfolio for senior review.
• Complete monthly balance sheet and income statement reconciliations, including bank, payroll and VAT reconciliations.
• Prepare annual financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Assist clients with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning and cost modelling.
• Gather and prepare financial information for annual income tax planning and tax readiness in collaboration with tax and compliance specialists.
• Maintain agreed reporting cycles, action trackers and standard operating procedures across client finance functions.

Client Advisory & Financial Oversight

• Manage the day-to-day financial requirements of assigned clients under the guidance of senior financial management.
• Prepare for and participate in monthly client financial meetings, presenting relevant sections of financial results.
• Prepare cash flow reports and meaningful financial information to support client decision-making.
• Maintain financial dashboards, management information and reporting tools.
• Identify financial trends, risks and areas requiring further investigation or management attention.

Projects, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Support projects including finance system implementations, restructuring initiatives and due diligence reviews.
• Prepare audit and independent review files and assist with resolving queries.
• Ensure financial work complies with applicable accounting standards, tax legislation and internal quality requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls, reporting and operational efficiency.
• Support the adoption of technology, automation and AI-enabled tools to improve accuracy and service delivery.

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Build professional, trusted relationships with clients through proactive communication and dependable support.
• Respond accurately and promptly to client queries within agreed timelines.
• Identify potential opportunities where additional financial or professional services could benefit clients and escalate these appropriately.
• Act on client feedback and contribute to continuously improving service delivery.
• Collaborate with management accountants, internal finance teams and other specialists as required.
• Support senior financial professionals by providing accurate, high-quality financial information and analysis.

Requirements:

• BCom degree or Honours in Accounting, Finance or a closely related discipline.
• Completed traineeship and qualified, or close to qualifying, as CIMA CGMA, AGA(SA), SAIPA Professional Accountant or CA(SA).
• 3-5 years' relevant experience including traineeship, with approximately 0-2 years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience gained within an accounting firm, professional services environment or client-facing finance role.
• Sound knowledge of IFRS for SMEs, relevant tax legislation and management accounting principles.
• Practical experience preparing management accounts, annual financial statements and reconciliations.
• Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience using cloud-based accounting and financial systems.
• Ability to manage multiple client portfolios, priorities and reporting deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication and client relationship management skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to recognise opportunities to add further value to clients.
• Proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Beneficial Experience & Skills
• Experience with Xero, QuickBooks, Dext, ApprovalMax and/or Draftworx.
• Practical experience using SARS eFiling.
• Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, cash flow modelling and financial dashboards.
• Experience supporting audits, independent reviews, system implementations or due diligence assignments.
• Interest in AI, automation and emerging financial technologies, with a willingness to adopt new ways of working.
• Previous experience managing financial requirements across multiple SME clients would be advantageous.

Key Competencies:

• Financial accuracy: Maintains a high level of attention to detail across reporting, reconciliations and financial statements.
• Analytical thinking: Interprets financial information and identifies trends, discrepancies and areas requiring action.
• Client orientation: Builds strong professional relationships and delivers responsive, high-quality service.
• Ownership: Takes responsibility for assigned clients, deadlines and deliverables.
• Commercial awareness: Understands the broader business implications behind the numbers and looks for opportunities to add value.
• Organisation: Effectively manages multiple clients, reporting cycles and competing priorities.
• Growth mindset: Actively seeks feedback, develops new capabilities and is motivated to progress into a senior financial management role.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with senior financial professionals and specialist teams while contributing positively to the wider organisation.

Desired Skills:

• CIMA
• SAICA
• XERO
• Quickbooks
• Draftworx
• SARS E-filing
• IFRS
• SME's
• CA(SA)
• AGA(SA)
• Finance
• Accounting
• Dext