BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
Act as the overall custodian of Cost of Sales (COS), Secondary Supply Chain Finance (SSC) and the controls environment across the secondary supply chain. Provide high‑quality financial insights, end‑to‑end governance, and strong business partnering to drive cost optimization, working‑capital performance, SOX compliance, productivity delivery and robust decision‑making.
Reports to | Snr Commercial Finance Manager Operations (Supply Chain) |
Number of Direct Reports | N/A |
Core Relationships | Internal - Secondary Supply Chain
- Risk & Security
- Secondary Supply Chain
- Commercial Finance
- Sales Finance
- Operations
- GBS
- Internal Audit
External - Auditors
- 3PL partners
- Consultants (as required)
|
Geographic Scope | Heidelberg, Gauteng |
Travel Required | N/A |
Financial (Annual) | N/A |
Business Partnering to Secondary Supply Chain
- Provide business partnering to SSC and R&S including financial insights, performance analysis, budgeting, forecasting and inventory movement tracking.
- Prepare financial performance reports, dashboards and commentary on operational and cost drivers.
- Support negotiations with third party SSC partners through robust financial modelling and scenario analysis.
- Update governance cycle decks (CP/DR/SOP/S&I/NCL) with clear interpretation of risks, opportunities and mitigation actions.
Financial Planning & Reporting
- Act as custodian of COS governance across SSC, ensuring end to end visibility of COS drivers, forecasting, variances and risk mitigation.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual SSC financial reporting, integrating COS performance into forecast cycles.
- Lead COS related variance analysis, sensitivity modelling and scenario planning to support decision making.
Working Capital Management
- Manage SSC working capital including E2E FG inventory ownership, blocked stock, RTM investment and cash focused inventory optimization.
- Monitor stock movements, ageing, write off risk exposure and ensure alignment with financial policy.
- Lead initiatives to optimize working capital and improve cash conversion within SSC.
Cost Base Management
- Lead SSC end to end process and cost reviews to drive efficiency and cost optimization.
- Analyze cost structures and key cost drivers to inform planning, forecasting and decision making.
Productivity Savings Management
- Support SSC and R&S teams in preparing, validating and tracking productivity initiatives and savings.
- Perform post implementation reviews to confirm benefits realization and embed lessons learned.
Controls, SOX & Governance
- Act as custodian for business controls within SSC ensuring SOX compliance, remediation tracking and business risk reviews.
- Oversee GRIR, PO and invoice resolution and perform secondary asset verification in line with control requirements.
- Ensure audit ready documentation, strong control discipline and governance adherence across SSC.
Project Evaluation & Execution
- Support SSC project execution with financial modelling, analysis and scenario evaluation.
- Conduct pre and post implementation reviews for major projects to validate benefits and identify improvement actions.
Data, Systems & Reporting
- Lead SSC dashboards, KPI tracking, compliance monitoring and operational reporting.
- Drive enhancements in data accuracy, reporting automation and system utilization (SAP, BPC, BI).
- Generate high quality analytics to support decision making using available finance systems and tools.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE
ESSENTIAL
Experience Required
Knowledge/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field.
- Accounting/Finance qualification (CA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA) – preferred
- Strong SOX, controls, compliance and governance capability
- Advanced SAP/BPC/BI/Excel proficiency
- Strong analytical, modelling and variance‑analysis skills
- Productivity savings measurement and project management experience
- 4–7 years in supply chain/manufacturing finance (FMCG preferred)
Key Success Factors:
- Effective COS accuracy, governance and control discipline
- High‑quality SSC financial insights and reporting
- Strong SOX compliance and audit readiness
- Reliable month‑end, reconciliations and documentation
- Strong partnering across SSC, R&S and Operations
What we offer you?
- We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
- Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
- Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
- You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
- We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
- Benefits:
- Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
- Private Pension
- Life & Health Insurance
- Yearly bonus based on the ABS
- Family support policy
- Office perks
- Flexible policy as per agreed Second Level agreement.
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.
We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.
