Finance Manager

About the role

We are looking for a Finance Manager to lead the accounting and financial function for a private game reserve’s head office in Cape Town. The role combines day‑to‑day processing with strategic budgeting, forecasting and cost‑control to optimise the lodge’s profitability. Regular visits to the reserve (once or twice a month) are required.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain accounting records in line with reporting standards and group SOPs.
• Process daily financial data, including invoices, journals, cashbooks and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, executive summaries and variance analysis against prior year, budget and forecast.
• Manage payroll processing, VAT reconciliation and monthly stock‑take journal entries.
• Lead the preparation of the annual budget and monitor monthly spending across departments.
• Oversee debtors and suppliers ageing analysis and coordinate weekly/monthly payments to head office.
• Coordinate with external auditors for year‑end audit and ensure timely resolution of unreconciled items.
• Provide financial guidance to department managers and support the General Manager in decision‑making.
• Conduct monthly feedback meetings with heads of departments to review results and operational issues.

Required profile

• Detail‑oriented, analytical and deadline‑driven.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Proven experience leading a small finance team (accountant and cost controllers).

Required skills