THE JOB AT A GLANCE:

An integral part of the Financial leadership team, the Finance Director’s go-to person for insights, fact based decisions, planning and operational performance support. Delivery of robust analysis together with the Finance MAanager to guide major category investment decisions, assess future growth opportunities, and analyse actual and forecasted financial performance. Proactive highlighting of performance concerns / opportunities and partner with the categories to find sustainable solutions to these concerns. To provide operational category finance support/guidance to the Category FD’s and the Logistics FM. To actively guide the COE function to closely align with needs of the organisation to achieve the operational and strategic imperatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Key financial support to Finance Director on major category operational challenges within the business and support on key strategic projects together with the relevant category Finance Managers;
• Will support Finance Director on new investments, Divestment and mergers and acquisitions, together with Corporate Finance Services
• Support the development of the business plan based on historical trends, investment strategies and external business factors. Be part of the executive team reviewing brand and factory strategy
• Sets finance expectations and provides constructive challenge of the insights, commentary, P&Ls and recommendations provided by the Category teams (At Budgets/Forecast/ 5 Year Plan and Business Review meetings)
• Guide the budgeting, planning and performance management activity for the categories
•  Proactively  support identification of game changing initiatives to close the gap on key operational challenges through the COE function working in conjunction with the category teams;
• Analyse major business opportunities and cost saving potential across a range of initiatives working in conjunction with the category teams;
• Establish and maintain scorecard for categories, reviewing key P&L components such as volumes, pricing, product mix, COGS, gross margins, marketing and fixed expenses based on reports created by the Finance Shared Service with  input from Category FD’s
• Through the COE collaborate with other finance teams (incl. Shared Service) to ensure harmonization of processes, controls and cross-pollination of best practice
• Establish peer reviews and foster a continuous learning culture with the category FD fraternity

QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

Key attributes and competencies

• Technical know-how – extensive financial planning and analysis experience ideally within an FMCG
• Action – always one step ahead, proactively identifying patterns and predicting potential issues / opportunities
• Commercial astuteness – commercially aware, with superior analytical skills and a demonstrable track record
• Dependable advice – as a great influencer you have the confidence to challenge and push for value and returns
• Business partnering skills – with an uncanny ability to explain complex financials in a succinct and logical manner
• Owner mindset – implementing strong governance
• Team player – can take an enterprise view of the value chain, and build strong relationships across the business (particularly with Procurement and Finance Shared Services)
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects – be able to prioritise and engage key stakeholders across multiple projects during tight delivery timeframes

Experience

• P&L oversight, market and business understanding
• Professional Finance qualifications, CA (SA) with at least 5- 10 years experience in a senior finance executive role