Financial Operations Manager - Automotive Industry

Job Title: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing - Financial Operations ManagerLocation: Centurion, PretoriaEmployment Type: Full-time | 12-Month Contract Salary: R60 000 per monthAbout the RoleWe’re looking for a proactive, analytical, and commercially driven professional to oversee and optimise the financial operations across our dealer network.This role plays a pivotal part in driving dealer profitability, managing incentive programs, ensuring compliance and accuracy in claims, overseeing the Dealer Advertisement Fund (DAF), and fostering strong partnerships with banks and financial institutions to support dealer and retail financing.You’ll work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and IT teams to improve operational efficiency, financial transparency, and commercial outcomes across the network.Key Responsibilities1. Dealer Profitability ManagementAnalyse dealership financials to evaluate profitability, working capital, and return on investment.Track and report key dealer KPIs through dashboards and financial health reports.Partner with underperforming dealers to identify improvement plans and implement corrective measures.Develop and deliver actionable insights to senior management to support data-driven decisions.2. Dealer Incentive Scheme ManagementDesign, implement, and manage dealer incentive programs aligned with sales and service objectives.Coordinate with Sales, Finance, and IT teams to ensure timely and accurate incentive disbursement.Monitor dealer performance against incentive KPIs, providing performance reports and insights.Audit, validate, and reconcile incentive claims to maintain fairness, compliance, and accuracy.3. Dealer Advertisement Fund (DAF) OversightManage the allocation, utilization, and audit of the DAF in compliance with company guidelines.Collaborate with Marketing on co-branded dealer advertising and promotional campaigns.Ensure effective ROI measurement of marketing and local advertising initiatives.Recommend optimisations to improve cost efficiency and campaign effectiveness.4. Dealer Claims ProcessingOversee the end-to-end process for dealer claims (incentives, warranties, reimbursements).Ensure adherence to internal controls, SLAs, and governance frameworks.Coordinate with internal departments to resolve discrepancies and accelerate turnaround times.Conduct periodic audits to ensure process integrity and accuracy.5. Dealer & Customer Financing / Banking RelationsBuild and maintain relationships with banks and financial institutions to support dealer and customer financing.Negotiate and optimise financing terms for dealer inventory and retail customers.Liaise between dealers and lenders to resolve funding, liquidity, or compliance issues.Track credit utilisation, funding performance, and financing KPIs.Required Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or Business AdministrationMBA in Finance or related postgraduate qualification (preferred)Minimum 5 years’ experience in commercial finance, dealer operations, or marketing finance, preferably within the automotive industry or a related sectorDemonstrated experience in dealer profitability management, incentive program governance, and claims processingStrong analytical, financial modelling, and reporting skillsProficiency in Excel, Power BI, SAP, DMS, or similar ERP systemsCore CompetenciesStrong financial and commercial acumen with a data-driven approach to decision-makingExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsDeep understanding of automotive dealer operations and profitability leversStrong organisational, problem-solving, and process optimisation skillsAbility to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentCollaborative, agile, and results-oriented mindset