Accounts Manager

Job Purpose

Afritrek Logistics is looking for an experienced Accounts Manager to take ownership of the finance function across our five branches (Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London). Based at our Johannesburg head office, this role is responsible for consolidated financial reporting, month-end and year-end processes, budgeting and cash flow, statutory compliance, and the day-to-day management of branch accounting staff. The successful candidate will bring strong logistics or transport industry experience and be comfortable managing finance across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full accounts function across all five branches, ensuring consistent processes, controls and reporting standards group-wide.

• Prepare consolidated monthly management accounts, including branch-level profitability and variance analysis, for review by the National Finance Manager.

• Own the month-end and year-end close process across branches, including journals, accruals, provisions, balance sheet reconciliations and intercompany/inter-branch accounts.

• Manage group cash flow, including daily cash positions across branches, working capital, and liaison with banks.

• Prepare and monitor budgets and forecasts for each branch and the group as a whole, flagging variances and cost overruns.

• Ensure statutory compliance across all entities/branches, including VAT, PAYE, income tax and other SARS submissions, working with external auditors and tax practitioners as required.

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including supplier payments, fleet/fuel cost accounting, and debtor control (working closely with the Debtor Collections Specialist).

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across branches to safeguard company assets and reduce risk of fraud or error.

• Manage, mentor and review the performance of branch-based accounts and bookkeeping staff.

• Act as the primary point of contact for annual audits, coordinating information requests from each branch.

• Maintain and improve the accounting system(s) used across the group, ensuring branches are recording transactions accurately and consistently.

• Provide financial insight and reporting to support operational decision-making by branch managers and executive management.

• Assist with costing and pricing analysis for logistics contracts and routes, where required.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (BCom Accounting or equivalent); a professional qualification (e.g. SAIPA, CIMA, or working towards CA(SA)) is advantageous.

• A minimum of 5-7 years' experience in a similar accounts/financial management role, with at least 2 years managing a team.

• Experience working across multiple branches, sites or business units is essential.

• Prior experience within the logistics, transport, freight or supply chain industry is strongly preferred.

• Solid working knowledge of South African tax and statutory requirements (VAT, PAYE, SARS e-filing).

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Sage, Pastel, Xero, or similar ERP systems) and advanced Excel skills.

• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel periodically to branches when required.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to manage staff remotely across different branches.

• Excellent attention to detail and high standards of financial accuracy.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with sound commercial judgement.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines across multiple sites.

• Clear communicator, able to explain financial information to non-financial branch and operations managers.

• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial information.

• Well organised and process-driven, with a track record of improving financial controls.