Finance Manager - Strategic Growth Partner

Job description

a Popular Bunch (Pty) Ltd | Johannesburg

About us

a Popular Bunch is a leading experiential marketing agency delivering bold, innovative campaigns for major brands across South Africa. With 36 full-time employees and operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, we're a genuine 360° agency controlling every aspect of the process - from creative concept to fabrication to national execution. As a Level 1 B-BBEE company, we pride ourselves on bringing big ideas to life through flawless execution and relentless creativity.

The opportunity
We're seeking a strategic Finance Manager to partner with our CEO in driving business growth and operational excellence. This isn't just a numbers role - it's an opportunity to shape the financial future of a dynamic, fast-paced agency. You'll lead a team of four finance professionals while transforming our financial function from operational to strategic.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic partnership (40%)

• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations directly to the CEO
• Develop financial models and scenario planning for business growth
• Lead monthly strategic reviews and board reporting
• Drive profitability analysis across divisions and projects
• Support strategic decision-making with data-driven insights

Financial leadership (30%)

• Manage and develop a team of 4 finance professionals
• Oversee all financial operations including AP/AR, payroll, and reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures
• Optimize cash flow management across multiple projects
• Lead the monthly financial close process

Business intelligence (20%)

• Create and maintain executive dashboards and KPIs
• Analyze project profitability and recommend improvements
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains
• Develop budgets and forecasts with department heads

Systems and process improvement (10%)

• Optimize use of CHASE, XERO, and other financial systems
• Streamline financial processes and controls
• Implement best practices for project-based businesses

What you'll bring

Essential requirements:

• B.Com accounting/finance or equivalent
• 5-8 years' experience, with at least 2 years in management
• Experience in agencies, events, or project-based businesses
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
• Experience with XERO and CHASE - non negotiable
• Proven track record of business partnering with senior leadership

The ideal candidate:

• Strategic thinker who can translate numbers into business insights
• Comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Excellent communicator who can present complex financial information simply
• Hands-on leader who can both strategise and execute
• Ambitious professional looking to make a significant impact

What we offer

• Direct reporting line to the CEO
• Opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a growing business
• Dynamic, creative work environment
• Career growth as the business expands

Our culture

We're bold, creative, and fast-paced. We have each other's backs and celebrate team wins. Excellence is non-negotiable, and we pride ourselves on making things happen - often against the odds. If you thrive in an environment where no two days are the same and want to be part of bringing big ideas to life, we want to hear from you.

To apply
Send your CV and a brief note explaining why you're the strategic finance partner we need to

Please note: Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team.

Posted on 25 Jul 09:01, Closing date 23 Sep