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Group Finance Manager HomeChoice - Wynberg, Cape Town


**Please note:  Only South African Citizens and/or holders of legal SA Work Permits to apply

Purpose of the role
To provide leadership to manage the financial function of the company, to ensure appropriate financial planning, financial reporting, cash flow management, budgeting, tax management, risk management of the companies in the group and staff management in the area. 

Key Performance Areas

Statutory reporting
  • Ensure the preparation and presentation of the group companies AFS for sign off at the audit committee meeting in March
  • Ensure an complete audit file is prepared and reviewed by the deadline
  • Manage auditors, audit work and audit clearance on profit figures to be completed by the deadline
  • Ensure the completion of the Interim report for HomeChoice Holdings Ltd by end July
Management accounts to the business
  • Ensure accurate management accounts are issued to the business by the deadlines monthly
  • Ensure reports are considered and updated to comply with and address business needs
  • Ensure all control accounts are appropriately reconciled timeously
  • Ensure monthly management account meetings with the various business units to discuss and address action points
  • Continuously work at improving reporting deadlines and qualitative value of management accounts/reports to better meet the needs of the various business units 
  • Review and sign-off all reconciliation control sheets on a monthly basis
Cash Management
  • Manage the accurate reporting and forecasting of cash and ensure efficient use of cash resources
  • Manage the Group’s banking facilities and relationships
  • Identify opportunities to improve the cash flow
  • Continuously achieve a net cash inflow before loan repayments, tax, STC, dividends and previous year bonuses as agreed for the group
Management of forecasts and budgeting process
  • Ensure forecast models are maintained and accurate summarised I/S, C/Flow and B/S for 5 (five) years rolling, are prepared for the group
  • Manage the annual forecast updating process and deliver updated, detailed and complete budgets by the deadline set
  • Ensure the adherence to budgets by continuous monitoring of variations between actuals and forecasts and record permanent variations/trends accordingly to incorporate into future forecasts
  • Respond and action request for forecast changes, reports and what-if scenarios by providing meaningful analysis and feedback
  • Provide on-going support to the forecast accountant
  • Improve the flexibility of the forecast models and research and introduce simpler and more efficient models where possible
Tax Compliance
  • Ensure appropriate tax planning and management of tax risk
  • Continuously ensure all tax returns are reviewed and submitted in a timeously and accurate manner
  • Ensure that all SARS queries (objections /refunds) have been adequately addressed and resolved
Risk management and internal controls
  • Ensure a risk based internal audit plan is maintained for the group
  • Ensure the early identification of critical risk areas on a continuous basis
  • Ensure updated and informed communication to management regarding departmental risk areas, their causes and effective prevention and management thereof
  • Continuously determine best practice to reduce and/or avoid risk
  • Effective and efficient management of risks through the implementation of proper and updated internal controls
  • Monitor performance of controls to ensure accurate and timely reporting
Management of People
  • Ensure finance team members have clear and tangible goals which are assessed bi-annually through the KPA performance management process
  • Provide regular feedback to the finance team on their performance
  • Mentor staff and identify needs and develop career growth plans
  • Provide effective leadership to team members in order to reduce turnover and achieve optimal efficiency of the department
  • Ensure team works effectively with individuals across the business to gain knowledge on strategies, business processes to improve overall profitability and customer service
Investor analysis and reporting
  • Monitor and   analyse peer performance and activity as well as issues affecting the sector
  • Monitor the   share-price, share movements and overall market performance
  • Prepare monthly   IR updates for the board, presenting information of the IR offering, the   sector and the analysts’ views on the company
  • Manage the IR   section of the website, ensuring that all information is kept up to date
  • Ensure that   accurate profit projections are forecast and reported to relevant parties
  • Ensure that all   JSE reporting requirements are adhered to and keep abreast of any changes to   the JSE listing requirements
  • Develop   materials for press releases, results presentations and Q&A sessions
  • Develop and   prepare quarterly analyst reports
Providing strategic support
  • Providing input on   the strategic direction of the finance department
  • Performance of any   projects or tasks required to support the finance director’s strategic   objectives
  • Performance of   financial analysis / research to support the strategic objectives of other   departments

Desired Skills & Experience

Qualifications & Accreditations
  • CA (SA), Articles with one of the big 4 firms

Experience & Skills
  • 5 Years’ commercial, post articles experience with at least 2 years in a management role
  • Knowledge of contracting, negotiating and change management
  • Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles
  • Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems
  • Good knowledge of IFRS
  • Previous experience as a financial manager of a listed entity will be beneficial
  • Previous working experience in retail will be advantageous

Attributes & Behaviours
  • Provides visionary, anticipated and proactive leadership
  • Strong communicator (report writing and verbal) with clear and concise instructions
  • Ability to initiate and maintain performance
  • Passionate about driving continuous improvement
  • Always eager to take on new challenges
  • Excellent analytical skills with a passion for accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Ability to motivate and inspire others
  • Responds promptly to requests and flexible in their approach
  • Deadline driven with ability to carefully assess and streamline processes

Company Description

HomeChoice Holdings Limited is a leading direct marketer in consumer finance, offering retail and financial services to the rapidly expanding middle income mass market through its subsidiaries HomeChoice and FinChoice.

  • HomeChoice – South Africa’s leading catalogue retailerFirmly established as the leading direct marketing retailer in southern Africa, HomeChoice has developed an exclusive range of household goods which it sells to the urban mass market. With a proven track record of over 25 years, HomeChoice is the first choice in luxury homewares for thousands of satisfied customers.
  • FinChoice – flexible and convenient personal loansFinChoice, the financial services company of the group, markets personal loans to HomeChoice customers of good credit standing. Our loan products offer terms ranging from 6 to 24 months, with the ability for customers to access additional credit on a recurring basis.
Our location and staff complementOur head office is based in Wynberg, Cape Town. The group employs over 580 people, including over 380 agents in our call centres.

Our customersWe operate throughout South Africa, as well as in Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho. FInChoice offers personal loans to South African customers only.

Our market is predominantly female (81%), spans Living Standard Measurement (LSM) 4 - 8 and represents the racial demographics of South Africa.

We use integrated direct marketing channels to acquire, service and retain customers.

Vision & Values

Our group vision
To continuously leverage our data and direct marketing expertise for sustainable growth in a complex and rapidly expanding consumer finance environment.

The HomeChoice vision
To be our customers’ most trusted and exclusive homewares retailer, helping them to easily realise their décor dreams.

The FinChoice vision
To be our customers’ most trusted and flexible financial partner, enabling easy access to affordable products.

Our employee vision
To be empowered, respected, challenged and recognised for the unique contribution we make.

Our shareholder and sustainability vision
To achieve consistent long-term real growth and an outstanding return on equity while making a significant contribution to our community.

Our values
We have adopted five key values that underpin the way we think and do business.
  • Customer delight – We will put our customers first in everything we do.
  • Excellence – We will continuously assess, adapt and improve while being accountable and professional.
  • Integrity – We will be transparent in our dealings, upholding moral, legal and ethical codes.
  • Teamwork – We will be united in purpose and action, turning our diversity, skills and experience into a source of strength.
  • Innovation – Through our courage and initiative, we will identify and implement new opportunities and ideas that will successfully shape our future.  
Please visit our website at www.homechoiceholdings.co.za for more information