Regional Finance Manager

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the financial and accounting functions within the region, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. The role aims to minimize financial risk, optimize financial systems, and provide accurate and timely information to support strategic decision-making.

1. Financial Discipline & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to financial procedures across all branches.
• Conduct monthly audits focusing on high-risk areas, including credit notes.
• Maintain and verify asset registers monthly.
• Participate in rotational verification of financial data.
• Implement corrective actions based on audit findings.
• Perform financial audits during branch visits.

2. Accuracy in Accounting Functions

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly provisions and accruals.
• Review general ledger accounts before month-end to ensure correctness.
• Verify rebates from Bridgestone and other suppliers.

3. Financial Reporting

• Provide monthly variance analysis on sales, gross profit, and overheads.
• Monitor weekly gross profit percentage and purchase variances.
• Conduct ad-hoc financial investigations as required.

4. Inventory Management

• Investigate and resolve stock adjustments.
• Identify and manage disposal of slow-moving inventory.
• Coordinate and participate in regional and month-end stock takes.
• Drive initiatives to reduce inventory holdings.

5. Budgeting & Planning

• Lead the preparation and coordination of annual budgets and mid-term plans.
• Present budgets to the review committee.
• Communicate finalized budgets to relevant stakeholders.

6. Debtors Management

• Collaborate with Group Debtors to follow up on overdue balances.
• Monitor and follow up on overdue cash and inter-branch accounts.
• Initiate legal action on long-overdue accounts.
• Oversee credit control for all Namibian debtors.

7. Creditors Management

• Supervise the creditors department.
• Ensure timely payments and manage creditors age analysis.
• Authorize payments of creditor accounts.

8. Cost Allocation & Expenditure Control

• Enforce compliance with authority levels.
• Review and authorize petty cash reimbursements.
• Coordinate and verify capital expenditure requests.
• Lead cost-cutting initiatives and monitor vehicle maintenance and fuel usage.

9. Operational Support

• Prepare and present sales reports for EXCO meetings.
• Manage administrative staff at the regional office and support branch admin teams.
• Develop financial literacy among managers through on-the-job training.
• Prepare presentations for regional meetings.

10. Payroll Oversight

• Oversee the payroll department for Namibia.
• Review salary payments and statutory deductions.

11. Statutory Compliance

• Reconcile and pay Import VAT using the Asycuda system.
• Run and reconcile VAT reports via SAP and ensure timely payments.
• Generate and submit environmental reports to Customs.
• Income tax preparation and submission.
• External Audit point of contact.
• Preparation of Annual Financial Statements.

12. General Responsibilities

• Provide ad-hoc support to the Regional Manager as required.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education, Master, other certification:

• BCom Accounting Degree, or similar.

Experience (years):

• 5yrs relevant working experience in similar role.
• Computer literacy in Excel. SAP will be an advantage.
• Experience in the tyre industry will be an advantage.
• Tax preparation and submission with NAMRA.

Languages Skills:

• English
• Local language

Soft/Behavioral Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong multitasking skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work independently