Senior Financial Manager

About The Role

We are looking for a Senior Financial Manager (Financial Services) to take ownership of the accounting and financial control function for our South African operations in Cape Town.

The role is primarily focused on accounting oversight, compliance, and tax coordination (approx. 75% accounting / 25% tax & compliance). This is not a CFO or strategic finance position. The core mission is to establish a strong internal financial control center and ensure accuracy, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

You will supervise outsourced accountants, improve reconciliation processes, and act as the main finance contact for tax advisors and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Preparing PRs and CF Reports related to payments.
• Short-term liquidity planning, maintaining the liquidity file, and coordinating with the CEO and CFO.
• Managing invoices and contracts for payments via the banking application.
• Liaising with the servicing bank: monitoring incoming and outgoing funds, responding to bank inquiries, preparing required documentation, and coordinating with the CFO.
• Treasury functions: liquidity management, placement of excess funds, hedging, and communication with banks regarding fees and services.
• Close collaboration with Project accountants on all matters, acting as a single point of contact for the CFO – bookkeeping, document exchange (invoices, contracts), and accounting system checks.
• Maintaining records of Group loans, working with the Financial Controller on reconciliations. Supporting foreign currency payments through banks, handling communications, and providing documentation upon request.
• Preparing monthly documents (contracts, invoices, etc.) for Group vendors (Marketplace, IT, etc.).
• Tax-related responsibilities in coordination with the CFO: checking and controlling VAT/CIT calculations according to legislation, ensuring timely and accurate tax and statutory reporting, and supporting the annual audit.
• Collaborating with the Group CFO and tax advisors to identify tax optimization opportunities, including submitting requests to tax consultants and legal advisors on tax matters.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in accounting or financial control within financial services (preferably fintech, lending, or banking)
• Practical experience with South African accounting and taxation (including VAT)
• Experience leading or supervising accountants
• Experience working in a regulated environment
• Experience working in an international team
• Experience in managing cross-border payments
• Solid understanding of cash flow and transaction-heavy operations
• Experience interacting with regulatory authorities
• Ability to work directly with tax advisors and implement their recommendations
• Strong reconciliation and control skills
• Fluent in English

Nice to have

• Experience in microfinance or consumer lending

• Experience preparing for or supporting regulatory audits

• BCom In Accounting (honors)

• Professional qualifications (CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA or similar) an added advantage

• Experience building or transitioning from outsourced to in-house accounting

• Experience working in a multi-entity structure