Finance Manager
Pavago
Hirezar Summary for South African Applicants
This fully remote full time position at Pavago explicitly welcomes applicants based in South Africa. As a remote position, you can work from anywhere in South Africa — whether you're based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or a smaller town.
Job Description
Job Title:
Finance Manager
Position Type:
Full-Time, Remote
Working Hours:
U.S. business hours
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly analytical and hands-on Finance Manager to take ownership of financial operations and support strategic decision-making in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
This role combines day-to-day accounting with forward-looking financial planning. You will be responsible for maintaining financial accuracy, managing cash flow, building forecasts, and supporting leadership with insights that drive business decisions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable operating independently in a startup setting.
Responsibilities:
Financial Operations & Accounting
Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, general ledger, and financial record-keeping.
Maintain accurate financial data within QuickBooks.
Oversee accounts payable/receivable and ensure proper documentation and controls.
Cash Flow & Financial Health
Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and overall financial health on a weekly basis.
Track burn rate and maintain accurate runway projections.
Provide insights into financial sustainability and risk areas.
Reporting, Budgeting & Analysis
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for leadership.
Build and maintain financial forecasts and projections.
Develop and manage budgets, tracking actuals vs. planned spend.
Strategic Finance & Decision Support
Support leadership with financial analysis for key business decisions.
Build financial models for growth initiatives and new opportunities.
Contribute to long-term financial planning and strategy.
KPI & Operational Metrics
Define and track financial and operational KPIs.
Analyze revenue trends, cost drivers, and performance metrics.
Tax Strategy & Compliance
Coordinate with external accountants or partners for tax compliance.
Support tax filings, audits, and regulatory requirements.
Systems & Process Improvement
Improve financial processes, reporting systems, and workflows.
Maintain financial dashboards and reporting models.
Growth & Scaling Support
Prepare financial reports and materials for investors or fundraising.
Support scaling of the finance function as the business grows.
What Makes You a Perfect Fit:
Strong ownership mindset with the ability to work independently.
Detail-oriented with a high standard for accuracy and organization.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment.
Analytical thinker who can translate data into actionable insights.
Proactive in identifying financial risks and opportunities.
Required Experience & Skills (Minimum):
3–7+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related role.
Strong hands-on experience with QuickBooks.
Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for financial modeling and tracking.
Experience managing financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow.
Strong understanding of financial statements and accounting principles.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ideal Experience & Skills:
Experience working in a startup or high-growth environment.
Exposure to healthcare or multi-entity business structures.
Familiarity with cash vs. accrual accounting transitions.
Experience supporting investor reporting or fundraising processes.
CPA certification or progress toward certification.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
A Finance Manager’s day is centered around maintaining financial accuracy while supporting business decisions. You will:
Manage bookkeeping and update financial records.
Monitor cash flow and track financial performance.
Prepare reports and analyze financial data.
Collaborate with leadership on planning and strategy.
Improve financial processes and systems.
In essence: you are the financial backbone of the business, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and informed decision-making.
Key Metrics for Success (KPIs)
Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
Cash flow visibility and financial stability.
Budget adherence and forecasting accuracy.
Quality of financial insights provided to leadership.
Efficiency of financial processes and systems.
Interview Process:
Initial Recruiter Screen
Client Interview
Offer & Onboarding
Tips for South African Applicants
Timezone Advantage
South Africa (SAST, UTC+2) overlaps well with European business hours and has a few hours of overlap with US East Coast. Mention your timezone flexibility in your application.
Salary in Context
Even without a listed salary, international remote roles typically pay 2-3x more than equivalent local positions in South Africa due to the exchange rate advantage.
Application Tips
Tailor your CV to international standards — use a clean format, highlight remote work experience, and include your English proficiency. Many SA applicants succeed by emphasising their strong work ethic and cultural adaptability.
Load Shedding Preparedness
If you're applying for a remote role, having a backup power solution (UPS, inverter, or generator) and mobile data as a backup internet connection shows employers you're prepared for South Africa's infrastructure challenges.
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About Pavago
Pavago is a company in the design industry that hires remote workers from South Africa. They currently have 238 open positions on Hirezar. View all Pavago jobs →