Junior Financial Manager

About Unique Personnel

Unique Personnel boasts over 50 years (established in 1970) of personnel and staffing experience. While our main focus has been providing South African Staffing Solutions, we now recruit internationally for over 5000 clients.

Role Overview

The Junior Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the full finance function of the company. This role manages a small local finance team and ensures accurate, timely financial reporting and compliance. The position works closely with the Group Finance team in France to support consolidation, reporting standards, and alignment with global processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all day-to-day financial operations within the South African entity
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
• Prepare and submit financial reports in line with Group reporting requirements
• Liaise with the France-based finance team to ensure proper consolidation and alignment with Group standards
• Maintain integrity of financial data and ensure compliance with IFRS and Group policies

Team Management

• Manage and develop a small finance team (2 direct reports)
• Allocate responsibilities and ensure efficient workflow within the department
• Provide guidance, training, and performance management

Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure all accounting records are accurate and up to date
• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with South African tax regulations (VAT, PAYE, corporate tax)
• Manage statutory submissions and liaise with external advisors where required
• Manage BEE reports and submissions. Work with BEE consultants to ensure highest possible BEE rating

Treasury & Payments

• Manage cash flow and liquidity planning
• Oversee all local and international payments, including supplier and intercompany transactions
• Maintain relationships with banking partners
• Ensure foreign exchange transactions are executed efficiently and in line with company policy

Payroll Management

• Oversee and review monthly payroll processing for all employees
• Ensure accurate calculation of salaries, wages, bonuses, and deductions
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including PAYE, UIF, and SDL
• Review payroll reconciliations and ensure alignment with the general ledger
• Manage payroll submissions and reporting to relevant authorities
• Liaise with HR and external payroll providers where applicable
• Ensure confidentiality and integrity of payroll data

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and periodic forecasts
• Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis
• Support the Managing Director with financial insights to inform decision-making

Audit & Internal Controls

• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process
• Ensure strong internal controls are in place and continuously improved
• Implement Group control procedures and compliance frameworks

Business Support

• Act as a finance business partner to the Managing Director and local team
• Provide financial analysis to support strategic and operational decisions
• Support process improvements and system enhancements

Group Finance

• Work with group finance team in France

Relationships (External)

• Customers and suppliers
• Auditors

Desired Experience & Qualification

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• 3–6 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role (preferably within a multinational environment)
• Strong understanding of financial reporting and accounting principles
• Experience managing or supervising staff is advantageous
• Exposure to international reporting or group consolidation is preferred
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel
• Experience with SAP and Sage Payroll advantageous
• Knowledge of South African tax and regulatory environment

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and take ownership
• Effective communication skills, including working with international teams
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Thorough knowledge of debtor reconciliations & problem-solving abilities
• Management of monthly balance sheet and income statement
• Commercial awareness and business acumen

Success Measures

• Timely and accurate financial reporting to Group
• Smooth coordination with France finance team for consolidation
• Strong control environment with no significant audit findings
• Efficient management of cash flow and payments
• Development and performance of the local finance team