Manager Finance South Africa

The GELITA Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of collagen proteins and is represented on all continents with more than 2.900 employees and 20 sites. With our global presence and expertise, we provide natural collagen protein solutions in the food, health and nutrition markets as well as in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. In addition, our products offer a wide range of exciting innovative technical applications. Guided by our GELITA Values and scientific research, we drive innovation and consistently focus on excellence, experience and customer orientation.

The Manager Finance South Africa is a senior level position and is responsible for all general Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Legal, Statutory, Tax, Insurance, Controlling and Cost Accounting activities. This position is also responsible for IT, Procurement, Stores Administration, Salary Administration and oversees official the legal and statutory functions of GELITA South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The Manager Finance position is responsible for maintaining discipline and compliance with company policies, practices, and procedures.

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Lead and manage the Finance and Administration Department, including oversight of accounting, payroll, procurement, IT and administrative functions.
• Ensure full compliance with corporate budgeting, financial planning, reporting and month-/year-end closing procedures.
• Drive financial strategy, commercial analysis and business performance management across multiple business units.
• Oversee cash flow management, banking relationships and treasury functions.
• Manage customer credit control, accounts receivable, credit insurance and ageing analysis.
• Lead cost accounting, margin analysis and operational performance reporting (sales, manufacturing, sourcing and logistics).
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses and business cases to support Capex and strategic investment decisions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including Companies Act obligations, tax compliance (including transfer pricing), company secretarial and data protection responsibilities.
• Manage insurance portfolio in line with corporate governance requirements.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including auditors, tax authorities, banks, legal advisors and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee ERP system governance, financial systems integrity and contribute to systems design and implementation initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement (PDCA discipline) within finance and administrative processes.
• Provide clear and accurate financial reporting to local and global/corporate stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop finance and support teams; manage organisational change initiatives.
• Support executive leadership with commercially sound, data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
• Responsible for the strategic sourcing, supplier management, cost optimisation and governance of all procurement activities within the organisation.
• Contribute to the organisation’s transformation objectives in alignment with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) strategy and Employment Equity Plan. The incumbent will support sustainable compliance and performance against the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice.

Qualification

• (NQF 7) Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting

Skills

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen-Strong ability to interpret financial data to support strategic decision-making and drive business performance across commercial and operational functions.
• Advanced Cost Accounting & Financial
• Analysis – Expertise in cost modelling, margin analysis, profitability analysis and performance measurement.
• Financial Modelling & Investment Appraisal – Ability to develop scenarios, business cases and Capex evaluations to support executive decision-making.
• ERP & Financial Systems Expertise – Strong working knowledge of modern ERP systems, financial controls within systems, and exposure to ERP implementation and systems design.
• Audit & Internal Controls Competence – Experience in audit environments and maintaining strong internal control frameworks and governance standards.
• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement – Application of PDCA principles and structured process improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional Business Insight – Balanced exposure to sales, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing and logistics environments, including complex or combined production settings.
• Change Management & Team Development – Proven ability to build teams, develop talent, manage change initiatives and operate effectively within matrix structures.
• Stakeholder & External Relationship Management – Ability to engage effectively with auditors, financial institutions, legal advisors and regulatory authorities.
• Multi-Functional Business Support Capability – Working knowledge of payroll, employee benefits administration, IT governance and procurement oversight.
• Professional Communication Skills – Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to operate confidently in a corporate/international environment.
• Personal Effectiveness & Leadership Presence – High levels of professionalism, integrity, discipline, organisational ability and collaborative leadership.

Experience Required

• MS Excel (intermediate) and MS Office
• 5+ years financial and/or management accounting preferably in a food manufacturing environment.

We value the diversity of our employees and are convinced that an inclusive working environment leads to better and more sustainable results. We therefore always make our selection decisions on the basis of competence and performance, regardless of personal or socio-cultural characteristics and beliefs. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Have we piqued your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your application!