Financial Manager

Overseeing the central finance function within an established property development business, this role leads financial control, cash management, and reporting. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will keep cash flow, supplier payments, and project progress aligned. Working full-time, Monday to Friday, on-site, the successful candidate will maintain complete ownership of the daily bookkeeping cycle, financial planning, and compliance. By operating directly alongside leadership and project teams, this hands-on role ensures that queries, payment claims, and cost verification are managed accurately and promptly. Key Responsibilities Manage the full bookkeeping and accounting cycle, including invoicing, debtors, creditors, bank reconciliations, and supplier and subcontractor payments. Scrutinise supplier and subcontractor quotes, invoices, and payment claims against physical work completed on site prior to approving payment, verifying quantities, rates, progress, and variations. Track project costs against approved budgets, quotes, and contracts while identifying and challenging over-claims, duplicate or unsupported charges, and unapproved variations early. Prepare monthly management accounts and present key insights to the Managing Director and leadership team. Lead cash flow forecasting and day-to-day cash management operations. Process payroll and ensure accurate, timely statutory submissions (including VAT and PAYE) to SARS. Maintain strong financial controls, approval processes, and segregation of duties while ensuring regulatory compliance. Lead the annual budgeting process and track organisational performance against approved budgets. Liaise directly with external auditors and SARS on statutory and tax matters. Support the Managing Director with financial planning, forecasting, and ad-hoc strategic analysis. Manage CIPC compliance obligations, including annual returns and company secretarial matters. Requirements BCom (Accounting/Finance) or equivalent qualification. 5+ years of experience in a financial controller or financial manager role. Demonstrated financial control experience, specifically in cost control, payment certification, and verifying claims against work completed on site. Demonstrated independence and confidence to question contractors/suppliers and withhold payment where work does not match quoted or claimed amounts. Strong knowledge of South African tax and statutory requirements. Desirable Requirements CIMA qualification (CGMA), or a SAIPA/SAICA designation. Experience within property development or construction sectors. Construction cost-management background. Required Software Skills Strong proficiency with accounting software (Xero, Sage, Pastel, or similar platforms explicitly noted in the source material).