Core Group is a leading distributor of innovative technology products and solutions across South Africa and the SADC region. Committed to delivering exceptional service and quality, Core Group partners with globally recognised brands, including Apple, to provide cutting-edge products and comprehensive support services. With a focus on growth and excellence, Core Group fosters a dynamic work environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and professional development.

Primary Objective of the Role

The Finance Business Partner will provide critical business and commercial support to the CCB, with a focus on meticulous attention to detail and advanced proficiency in Excel. Reporting to the Senior Finance Business Partner, the role involves assisting in budgeting, forecasting, preparing business reviews, and conducting various commercial and business analyses. The position also includes support for pricing and shared services, inventory reporting, and daily monitoring of warehouse activities.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering

• Prepare financial and management reports for review.
• Analyse financial data and maintain necessary provisions.
• Carry out analysis by product, customer service centre, and AppleCare as required.
• Oversee warehouse reporting and manage inventory activities.
• Perform monthly demand generation accrual calculations and releases.
• Reconcile balance sheets for key accounts, including but not limited to price protection, accounts payable credit note accruals, and passthroughs.
• Update and maintain the Credit Note tracker as required.

Pricing and Profitability

• Conduct product and service margin analysis.
• Prepare and maintain the Cost Framework Model (CFM).
• Manage Goods Received Voucher (GRV) maintenance and the resulting impact on stock on hand (SOH).
• Assist with pricing for Apple products, GoPro, DJI, Reloved, and integrated retail products.
• Upload new price lists to the ERP system.
• Monitor and report on expenditure.

Reporting and Analysis

• Support the business partner with relevant reports and data analysis.
• Perform monthly budget versus forecast analysis.
• Maintain the Goods Received Note (GRN) suspense account.

Budget and Forecasting

• Prepare detailed analyses for budgeting and forecasting purposes.
• Consolidate overall budgets.
• Assist in preparing presentations for reviews.
• Conduct detailed margin and expenditure analysis by cost centre.
• Perform monthly analysis comparing actual performance against budget and forecast.

Business Reviews

• Prepare quarterly business reviews for Financial Business Partners (FBPs) and Finance Executives.

Audit and Annual Financial Statements

• Provide support to shared services for audit queries.
• Assist shared services with monthly reporting requirements.

Inventory Management

• Assist with stock counts and analyse stock variances.
• Manage and report on inventory levels and discrepancies.

Ad Hoc Projects

• Develop and improve Excel worksheets, financial models, and data management processes.
• Undertake additional tasks as allocated from time to time.

Treasury

• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of the contract register.
• Allocate contracts to relevant vessels within Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualification: BComm or Relevant Degree.
• Experience: 5 - 10 years of experience in a financial analyst, finance business partnering, or pricing role.
• Experience in a wholesales or retail environment  would be advantageous 

Key Competencies

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong data analysis skills and proficiency in Excel.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.