Department: Finance

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Location: Cape Town, South Africa (on-site)

Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. (CPA, CMA, or CIMA designation strongly preferred.) Minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in cost accounting or operations finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time Director of Finance, Operations position based in Cape Town, South Africa.The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnering: Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and other stakeholders to provide actionable costing insights that improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and support strategic decision-making.
• Costing Leadership: Lead all aspects of cost accounting, including average costing, absorption analysis, overhead allocation, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Cost Model Development: Develop and refine cost models for new and existing products, considering the complexities of batch processes, yield losses, equipment utilization, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Product Life Cycle Costing: Provide costing support throughout the product lifecycle—from R&D handoff to commercial production—ensuring accurate cost projections and financial planning for scaling operations.
• Financial Analysis & Forecasting: Deliver monthly COGS reporting, manufacturing variance analysis, and cost forecasts; support long-range planning and scenario modeling.
• Process Optimization: Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline costing processes and enhance system capabilities, focusing on accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Compliance & Controls: Ensure all cost accounting and inventory practices comply with internal policies and applicable accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS).
• Leadership: Lead and mentor team members, fostering a high-performance culture and developing cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders.

Skills and Requirements

• Education:
  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Director (CPA, CMA, CA, or CIMA designation strongly preferred.)
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in cost accounting or operations finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of batch costing and regulated manufacturing processes.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as Epicor and advanced Excel.
• Familiarity with manufacturing analytics tools and cost modeling software is an advantage.
• Core Competencies:
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Detail-oriented, process-driven, and highly collaborative.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested. We will also request a current payslip.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Tuesday, 19 August 2025. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics

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SOUTH AFRICA - WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa. South African citizens preferred.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.