Assist Group is a dynamic real estate investment and management firm specializing in acquiring, repositioning, and managing distressed real estate assets. We help real estate owners recover and retain their properties or maximize their proceeds if recovery is not possible. Our mission is to identify high-potential properties, optimize their value, and maximize returns for our investors. We do this while assisting real estate owners in unlocking equity through structured real estate investment transactions to address their financial needs and help them retain their properties.
We seek a highly skilled Financial Manager to oversee our group finance operations and drive financial strategy in this complex and evolving sector. The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary environment, be passionate about making a difference in peoples lives, and have a strong desire to create and implement multi-faceted solutions for challenges within South Africas impaired and distressed real estate industry.
Job Summary:
The Financial Manager will be responsible for:
Managing financial operations, strategic planning, risk assessment, and compliance for the company.
This role requires a deep understanding of real estate finance, investment strategies, structured real estate transactions, and distressed asset transactions.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial modeling, deal structuring, and investment analysis, with experience in distressed property acquisitions and turnaround strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
- Prepare and present financial reports to executive leadership and investors, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS/IFRS for SME).
- Conduct regular financial analysis to assess performance, identify risks, and recommend strategies for cost optimization and revenue growth.
- Manage operational finance of transactions and oversee payment instructions to various deposit holders and conveyancing attorneys.
- Facilitate and manage HR processes.
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
- Perform monthly and yearly investment reconciliations.
- Manage VAT reconciliations, claims, and VAT returns.
- Handle PAYE reconciliation.
- Oversee EMP201 and EMP501 submissions and returns.
- Compile and interpret monthly management statements.
- Prepare and submit dividend tax returns.
- Review financial processing performed by employees.
- Conduct creditors and debtors reconciliations.
- Assist in compiling and updating company policies.
- Evaluate distressed real estate investment opportunities and conduct due diligence on potential acquisitions.
- Develop financial models to assess ROI, IRR, and risk exposure of real estate transactions.
- Structure bespoke financing solutions, including seller-financing, bridge loans, and joint ventures.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, tax laws, and real estate investment reporting standards.
- Manage financial audits and liaise with external auditors, legal teams, and tax advisors.
- Oversee credit risk management and develop strategies for mitigating financial exposure in distressed asset transactions.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term financial strategies aligned with business growth.
- Lead financial planning initiatives, providing insights into market trends, capital allocation, and investment strategies.
- Implement financial systems, accounting processes, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Education: Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. MBA, CPA, or CFA is a plus.
- Experience: 710 years of experience in financial management, with at least 35 years in real estate finance or distressed asset investment.
- Technical Skills:
- Strong proficiency in financial modeling, investment analysis, and forecasting.
- Expertise in real estate finance, property valuation, and property acquisition.
- Proficiency in accounting software and real estate management systems (WeConnectU, MRI).
- Knowledge of SEC reporting, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance in real estate transactions.
- Ability to manage and interpret complex technical product information.
- Experience in IT and software implementation.
- Computer literacy and proficiency in Windows, Internet, Microsoft Office, and CRM systems.
- Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Conscientious and ambitious with a systematic, analytical, and accurate work ethic.
- Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
- Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset.
- Passion for people and property.
- Integrity and a drive to make a difference in peoples lives.
- At least bilingual (Afrikaans and English); additional languages are an advantage.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Participation in company profit incentive plan.
- Performance-based bonuses.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience through the form provided.
