Finance Manager: Projects

About SLM Developments

SLM Developments is a full-spectrum company, with comprehensive experience in the fields of property development, project management and residential rental fund management and development investments.

Founded in 2019, the company has experienced rapid growth, with its staff nearly tripling over the past five years. This expansion has created a diverse, multi-disciplinary team offering a comprehensive range of service to meet every need within the property and development industry.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Finance Manager: Projects based in Bellville. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive financial oversight across the company’s project portfolio, ensuring compliance with financial regulations while optimising financial processes to support project profitability and long-term success.

The role focuses specifically on the financial management of projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and project-level financial reporting. You will be responsible for managing project cash flows, analysing financial performance to support strategic decision-making, and ensuring adherence to relevant tax and regulatory requirements within the project environment.

In addition, you will liaise with external auditors on project-related matters and lead the project finance team, driving high performance, accuracy, and continuous improvement across financial processes.

Core Responsibilities

Management Accounts

• Team member of the budgeting and forecasting process for property development projects.
• Monitor project budgets, analyse variances, and implement corrective actions.

Financial Reporting

• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of financial reports in compliance with accounting standards.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.

Bank Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with banking partners.
• Coordinate financing arrangements and ensure compliance with financing covenants.

Cash Flow Management

• Prepare cash flow reporting and forecasting models (entity- and project specific).
• Provide variance analysis and detailed updates on the current and forecasted financial position.
• Implement effective cash flow management strategies.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Preparation of budgets and forecasts for property development projects.
• Monitor project budgets, analyse variances, and implement corrective actions.

Financial and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and financial standards.
• Ensure compliance with all SARS requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to facilitate audits.

Engagement with Stakeholders and Professional Bodies

• Build and maintain strong relationships with executives and board members.
• Represent the company in communication with external service providers, auditors, SARS, and regulatory bodies.

Team Leadership

• Provide structure, leadership and mentorship to the project accounting team (currently comprised of 2 project accountants).
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture within the accounting team.

Internal Process Improvement

• Continuously analyse and asses existing accounting procedures and policies – including improving the efficiency of the finance function through the evaluation of processes, systems and the implementation of new software solutions, and digital enhancements.

Competency Requirements

Financial Expertise

• Strong financial acumen with expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management.

Regulatory Compliance

• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, GAAP, and SARS regulations.
• Knowledge of PPRA advantageous.

Analytical Thinking

• Ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights.

Communication Skills

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation abilities.

Risk Management

• Strong capability in identifying and mitigating financial risks.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential Qualifications

• Academic: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Professional Certification: CA(SA), CIMA, or equivalent certification preferred

Experience

• Proven experience in financial reporting and management of a finance team, preferably in property development or related industries.

Essential Skills

• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial reporting frameworks, and tax regulations.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple financial processes and deadlines effectively.
• Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle sensitive financial information with discretion.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Other Attributes

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in financial reporting and compliance documentation.
• Professionalism: Ability to maintain integrity and ethical standards.
• Time Management: Ability to work under pressure and meet financial deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness: Submission of financial reports within regulatory deadlines.
• Compliance: Adherence to IFRS, GAAP, PPRA and SARS requirements.
• Budget Adherence: Effective monitoring and control of project budgets.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Efficient financial communication with stakeholders, including shareholders and auditors.