Finance Lead - Inventory & Stock Optimisation

The Takealot Group, a prominent South African online retailer, is seeking a dedicated Finance Lead to oversee inventory and stock optimisation. This is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, expanding organisation that values innovation, integrity, and hard work. The company offers a flexible, market-related remuneration package and a stimulating work environment where challenges are embraced and the chance to build something significant is a daily reality.

About the Role

As the Finance Lead for Inventory & Stock Optimisation, you will hold complete financial accountability for all inventory across both 1st party (retail-owned stock) and 3rd party (marketplace and consignment stock positioning) operations. Your primary focus will be ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and reconciliation of stock positions across the entire network, including all warehouses, fulfilment centres, and transit points.

A crucial aspect of this role involves managing and reporting on the cost of stock. This includes detailed tracking of landed costs, cost of sales, provisions for potential losses, and write-downs. You will be responsible for the entire month-end inventory close process, ensuring its completeness, accuracy, and efficiency in reporting. Furthermore, you will guarantee that all inventory movements and associated costs are accounted for correctly in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The position also requires the management and maintenance of Weighted Average Cost Price (WACP) calculations, alongside the diligent investigation and resolution of any discrepancies. A key objective is to ensure seamless alignment between operational stock systems and the accounting ledger, as well as managing the integration between these operational systems and the core accounting system.

Your responsibilities will extend to identifying, quantifying, and investigating stock losses throughout the fulfilment network. You will meticulously track and analyse all costs associated with inventory, providing crucial insights for optimisation. A significant part of your contribution will be designing and owning the comprehensive inventory finance reporting suite, equipping stakeholders with the data needed for informed decision-making.

Leading and managing the annual year-end stock count process will be under your purview, ensuring its smooth execution and accuracy. You will also conduct a thorough audit of all existing inventory finance processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and control.

What They're Looking For

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field. A strong, practical understanding of managing inventory at scale is essential, particularly within the context of a large-scale e-commerce or retail operation.

The successful applicant will have between 4 to 7 years of relevant experience, ideally gained within the e-commerce, retail, FMCG sectors, or any data-intensive commercial environment where inventory management is a critical function. Previous experience in inventory accounting or supply chain finance is highly desirable. Crucially, hands-on experience with stock and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system integrations will be a significant advantage, demonstrating your ability to navigate and optimise complex financial and operational systems.

In South Africa, roles like this within large retail or e-commerce companies typically command competitive salaries, reflecting the significant financial responsibility and specialised expertise required. The Takealot Group, as a leader in the online retail space, offers a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for career progression within finance and operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Strong working knowledge of inventory management at scale
• 4 to 7 years' experience in e-commerce, retail, FMCG, or a data-intensive commercial environment
• Experience in inventory accounting or supply chain finance
• Hands-on experience with stock and ERP system integrations