Finance Director - South Africa

We are looking for our future Finance Director in South Africa. In this strategic role, you will report to EEMEA Senior Finance Director and be responsible for the entire financial function of the company encompassing strategic direction, budget setting and forecasting, reporting, financial modelling, advice and guidance, measurement and controls, profit maximisation, asset control, adherence to corporate and statutory regulations. This function should also be seen as the business partner for the local GM, to drive the business in terms of sales and operating income improvements.

What you will do:

Budgets, forecasts and strategic planning:

• Analyse current trends, economic indicators, inflation, expected growth, expense trends and the like. 

• Collaborate with GM, BUD, HR. Operations and peers across the division

• Manage budget according to EEMEA and International guidelines and provide strategic year to year growth and direction regarding operational and structural requirements vs sales and operating income.  

Profitability and expense analysis:

• Communicate regularly with departmental heads in terms of budget achievements as well as communication with internal and external auditors.

• Set challenging but achievable budgets and review actual vs budget performance.

• In cooperation with the GM take necessary corrective actions to get back in line with budget.  

Asset control:

• Analyse return on investment and review trends, costing, AR balances and cash flow.  Responsible for resolving operational issues, communicate with customer contacts, customer decision makers and bank managers.

• Adhere to statutory regulations.

• Maximize cash flow by managing our assets (AR, Inventory) in an effective and efficient manner.  

Reporting:

• Ensure accurate and timely Financial reporting in line with corporate guidelines (USGAAP) and statutory requirements (Local GAAP).

• Review monthly and quarterly financial reports, query over expenditures, present feedback to management and provide direction and corrective action where necessary.

• Oversee annual external audit process by communicating to external auditors and ensure annual external audit is managed effectively and efficiently in line with corporate guidelines and statutory requirements.  

Internal controls:

• Ensure effective and efficient internal controls are in place in line with SOX standards

• Implement corrective actions in case of any deficiencies identified by internal or external auditors.  

Team management:

• Ensure effective management of local Finance teams (2 people) to ensure reporting deadlines are met in accordance with Stryker guidelines, running a smooth operations team, but also including indirectly managing/supporting outsourced service providers & Stryker’s Centralized Finance Service Center.

Tax:

• Ensuring all Corporate & Local Tax reports and requirements are completed within Corporate guidelines and local regulations.

• Liaising and communicating regularly with the International Tax department.,

What you need:

• CA(SA) accreditation is a must have, any other certification (CIMA, ACCA,...) would be a plus.

• Related Business qualification (MBA) would also be a plus

• 5 - 10 Years experience in similar position, acting as Head of Finance in a Commercial-type activity

• Experience in Healthcare (preferred), Pharmaceutical, FMCG or similar industries

• Familiar with multinational environment with matrixed organization/complex environment.

• Hands-on ability to implement swiftly and effectively by taking ownership and accepting responsibility.

• Working knowledge of US GAAP and Sarbanes Oxley requirements.

• Strong business acumen

• Precision, assertiveness, critical and analytical skills

• Ability to strategize, forecast, report and adhere to statutory regulations.

• Good communication as well as negotiation skills with the ability to make critical decisions and lead a team.

• High quality & ethical standards / process improvement