To provide the business with an effective and efficient financial transaction processing environment in respect of the Receivables, Central Accounting and Stock functions. In doing so, ensure that all assets and liabilities are fairly stated and profit/loss amounts are accurately and timeously recorded. To ensure that the internal control environment is effective in safeguarding the custody of the business’ assets. To ensure that there is financial integrity in Receivables, Stock and Central accounting processes and systems.

• Defining strategies for Receivables, Stock and Central Accounting to support and deliver to the company and Finance strategy.
• Identify opportunities for improvements by developing operating plans that the team will deliver to, including monthly reporting against progress.
• Ensuring the effective design and implementation of financial processes and internal controls including the alignment to BU business processes and changes as a result of business and system changes.
• Understanding and managing the communication of business process changes in respect of Accounts receivable, Stock and Central Accounting.
• Liaise with all relevant stakeholders internally and externally to develop strong business relationships.
• Partner with the BEE office in respect of ED loans application process and ongoing management of the ED loan debtors’ book.
• Responsible for overseeing the end to end Accounts Receivable (including ED loans), Stock and Central accounting functions within Central finance, including.
• Ensure manual accounting processes (including stock held at 3^rd parties) across all Woolworths BU’s are supported and are accurately calculated, appropriately authorized and timeously processed.
• Ensure fixed assets are accurately recorded and reported on.
• Ensure all provisions (Stock, Accounts Receivable and Central Accounting) are accurate, valid and complete and communicated to BU’s timeously.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion and communication of forecast information.
• Ensure there is transaction and financial integrity between general ledger and peer systems for Accounts Receivables, Stock and Central Accounting.
• Ensure compliance with and application of IFRS and group accounting principles of all balance sheet and income statement accounts within Accounts Receivable, Stock and Central Accounting.
• Understanding and managing the communication and upskilling of the team as a result of business process changes.
• Developing team and department scorecards and monitoring teams against key scorecard metrics.
• Compiling effective and accurate operational reports, ensuring timely communication to the business with key metrics and commentary of monthly and year to date performance.
• Completing analytical review of income statement information relating to Receivables, Stock and Central Accounting.
• Ensuring all balance sheet control and clearing accounts relating to accounts receivable, stock and central accounting are reconciled and cleared in line with group financial principles.
• Managing internal and external audit reports and responding with required actions.
• Managing the process of ensuring systems issues are logged and resolved and hold files cleared
• Implementing the necessary people structures for the efficient and effective execution all financial processes. 
• Continuously build financial competence, talent and succession.

·      Discuss and address issues raised

·      Drive Central Finance process efficiencies

·      Implement business processes and drive issue resolution

·      Draft concise performance reports

·      Develop & use financial models

·      Analyse, interpret and communicate financial information at all levels

·      Influence BU leaders with regard to process compliance and risk management

·      Display a systematic understanding of business processes & systems with the ability to identify possible weaknesses & improvement areas

·      Negotiate with debtors, suppliers and business with regard to compliance with payment terms and financial processes.

·      Effectively use latest decision support systems and other technologies (e.g. Hyperion, Excel).

·      Understand how to use large, complex, integrated IT systems to process large volumes of financial transactions.

·      Ability to think laterally

·      Attention to detail

·      Team player

·      Relevant Financial qualification – experienced CA(SA) or equivalent

·      At least 8-10 years post articles experience in a commercial environment