Assistant Finance Manager - Projects (Internal Applications Only)

Job Description:

Responsible for ensuring financial integrity, feasibility assessments, ROI calculations, and financial system integration within projects. The Financial Manager works closely with project owners, finance teams, and outsourced partners to maintain financial compliance, optimize financial performance, and ensure seamless transitions from project implementation to operational finance.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a BCom Honours Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A postgraduate diploma in Management Accounting (e.g., CIMA DIP MA or CIMA AD DIP MA) would be advantageous.
• A Project Management qualification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, CSM) would be beneficial.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a financial management role.
• At least 3 years of experience in project-based financial analysis.
• Strong background in financial oversight of business projects within a retail or shared services environment.
• Experience with UAT testing and financial system integration.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities (KPA):

1. Financial Feasibility and Planning:
• Conduct financial feasibility assessments and financial modelling for projects in collaboration with the Senior Financial Manager Projects and other stakeholders.
• Analyse financial implications of projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and financial strategy.
2. Return on Investment (ROI) and Breakeven Analysis:
• Perform ROI analysis to assess financial viability and sustainability of projects.
• Evaluate cost structures and revenue projections to determine breakeven points and profitability.
3. Project Financial Oversight:
• Provide financial input and guidance for project-related decisions without assuming direct project ownership.
• Review the business requirement document (BRD) and project scope to assess the financial impact, risks, and compliance with IFRS, CB Way, and tax regulations. Collaborate with finance management and project team to address concerns.
• Attend project meetings and provide financial guidance to project team. Communicate scope changes and highlight risks to finance management.
• Ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting of project-related expenses, revenue recognition, and cost allocations.
4. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Finance Perspective:
• Review test scripts for unit testing and UATs to validate financial system integrations and processes and are aligned with the business cases, board resolutions and technical and/or functional specification.
• Identify financial system issues, ensure correct GL postings, and collaborate with relevant teams to implement corrective measures.
5. Financial Reporting and Compliance:
• Prepare financial reports on project progress, risks, and financial performance for stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, controls, and compliance requirements within project execution.
6. Project Performance Monitoring:
• Track and monitor financial performance of project pilots to assess viability for broader implementation.
• Provide financial recommendations based on project outcomes and financial insights.
7. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Work closely with project teams, operational finance teams, and external partners to facilitate financial integration.
• Present financial insights and findings to non-financial stakeholders in an accessible manner.
8. Handover to Operational Finance Team:
• Manage or facilitate the transition of projects from implementation to operational phases by providing financial training and documentation.
• Ensure operational finance teams understand project-related financial and system requirements.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strong financial analysis, modelling, and reporting skills.
• Ability to assess feasibility, ROI, and breakeven points.
• Proficiency in financial systems, ERP platforms (preferably SAP), and UAT processes.
• Strong communication skills for engaging with non-financial stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Understanding of retail finance and project-based financial management.
• Strong problem-solving and risk assessment capabilities.
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills