Financial Business Partner

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Financial Business Partner to provide strategic financial support to multiple dealership operations within the Western Cape. This role serves as the vital link between finance and operations, delivering commercial insights, financial analysis, and operational support to drive profitability, improve business performance, and ensure sound financial governance.

Working closely with operational management and the Group Financial Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, business partnering, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process across the dealerships
• Prepare rolling forecasts and identify financial risks and opportunities
• Analyse monthly management accounts and investigate variances
• Provide commercial insights and financial modelling to support business decisions
• Deliver accurate financial reporting to assist management in achieving strategic objectives

Business Partnering & Operational Support

• Partner with dealership management and departmental leaders to improve operational and financial performance
• Analyse profitability across key business areas, including vehicle sales, aftersales, parts, warranties, and service operations
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Support business growth initiatives, strategic projects, and operational improvements with sound financial guidance

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and present monthly financial reports and performance packs
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, internal financial controls, and company policies
• Assist with internal and external audit requirements
• Maintain strong governance and financial control processes

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Monitor and forecast cash flow requirements
• Manage debtor and creditor performance and proactively identify financial risks
• Oversee stock funding and inventory financing processes
• Identify opportunities to improve working capital and cash utilisation

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Strengthen financial controls across debtors, creditors, inventory, and warranty processes
• Identify financial and operational risks and recommend corrective actions
• Investigate and resolve stock and financial variances between operational and finance systems

Leadership & Team Support

• Support and mentor finance teams across dealership operations
• Provide financial guidance and training to operational departments where required
• Promote consistency in financial processes and reporting standards across all sites

Key Deliverables

Monthly

• Management accounts
• Variance analysis reports
• Cash flow reports
• Working capital reporting

Quarterly

• Budget reforecasts
• Financial performance reviews
• KPI reporting and operational analysis

Annually

• Budget preparation
• Audit readiness and compliance support

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• CIMA or CA(SA) qualification will be advantageous
• Minimum of five years' experience in financial analysis, management accounting, or business partnering
• Previous experience within the automotive or dealership industry is highly advantageous

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of dealership or multi-site business operations
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills
• Experience working with dealership ERP systems such as Keyloop/Kerridge or similar
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence operational decision-making
• High level of accuracy, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and accurate financial reporting
• Achievement of financial and operational performance targets
• Improvement in working capital management
• Reduction in financial and stock variances
• Delivery of meaningful commercial insights to management
• Compliance with financial controls, governance standards, and audit requirements