Financial Manager - Fine Foods Distribution & Import Business - Stellenbosch | LB

Financial Manager - Fine Foods Distribution & Import Business - Stellenbosch, Western Cape🆕 New Role

Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a commercially sharp, experienced and people-driven Financial Manager for a well-regarded fine foods distribution and import business based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior finance leadership role with full accountability across accounting, inventory management, imports, procurement, supply chain finance and commercial operations. The Financial Manager will partner with departmental heads to drive profitability, optimise working capital and maintain strong financial governance throughout the business.

This role suits a hands-on finance professional who is equally comfortable in the numbers and in the boardroom - someone who brings commercial insight, strong team leadership and a genuine improvement mindset to everything they do.

Please note: Candidates must be based in Stellenbosch or the broader Cape Winelands area. This is a live-out, office-based position.

Minimum Requirements:

B

Com Accounting, Finance or related qualification - essential

Completed SAICA or SAIPA articles - advantageous

Minimum 7 to 10 years' relevant finance experience

Minimum 3 years in a finance management role - essential

Experience within a distribution, wholesale, FMCG, manufacturing or import environment - essential

Strong, proven knowledge across:

Budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling

Cash flow management and working capital optimisation

Inventory valuation and stock control

Landed costing and import transaction oversight

Forex exposure and foreign supplier management

COGS and gross profit performance monitoring

Financial controls, governance and statutory compliance

Advanced Excel skills - essential

ERP system experience - essential

Strong commercial acumen with effective stakeholder management skills

Stable work history with outstanding, contactable references

Key Responsibilities:💼 Financial Leadership & Reporting

Lead and manage the finance department

Oversee month-end, year-end and statutory reporting processes

Review and approve monthly management accounts

Present financial results, risks and opportunities to the Managing Director

Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial information📊 Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning

Lead the annual budgeting process across all departments

Develop and maintain rolling forecasts

Monitor and report on budget performance

Conduct scenario planning and financial modelling

Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making💧 Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity requirements

Monitor debtor, creditor and inventory performance

Drive initiatives to improve cash conversion and working capital efficiency

Manage banking relationships and financing requirements📦 Inventory, Imports & Supply Chain Finance

Oversee inventory valuation methodologies and stock control processes

Review inventory provisions, write-offs and stock adjustments

Monitor inventory ageing and stock holding levels

Ensure landed costing methodologies are applied consistently and accurately

Provide oversight of import transactions, forex exposure and foreign supplier relationships

Monitor gross profit and COGS performance📈 Commercial Finance & Business Partnering

Analyse profitability by customer, supplier, product category and channel

Support pricing decisions and margin improvement initiatives

Partner with Operations, Procurement, Sales and Logistics to improve business performance

Evaluate investments, projects and business opportunities🛡️ Financial Controls & Governance

Develop and maintain internal controls and financial policies

Ensure compliance with approval frameworks and company procedures

Manage tax, VAT, audit and statutory compliance requirements

Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks👥 Leadership & Team Development

Manage, develop and coach the finance team including the Accountant role

Drive a culture of accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement

Ensure appropriate succession planning and skills development within the department

Package:

Gross Salary: R50,000 to R60,000 per month (DOE)

Live-out, office-based position in Stellenbosch

Start date: ASAP

Should you feel you are the right fit for this role, please apply with your updated CV, contactable references and a recent head and shoulders photo ASAP!📌 Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.