JOHN G. SABATTA
Financial And Engineering Manager. Strategic Operations Leader
Hilton,KZN
Summary
A highly accomplished and commercially astute Financial Leader with over 25 years of experience across manufacturing, engineering, and international trade. Currently serving as Financial and Engineering Manager with high level decision making within the timber manufacturing sector, offering a unique blend of high-level financial governance (SAICA registered) and deep technical/mechanical acumen. Proven track record in bridging the gap between the boardroom and the factory floor to optimize margins, implement robust financial systems, and drive ROI on capital projects. A 'hands-on' leader with the strategic vision and UK market familiarity required to transition into a Finance Director role.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial and Engineering Manager
Afritim (Pty) Ltd
03.2018 - Current
- Directly manage the financial and engineering functions for a high-volume timber manufacturer supplying the FMCG and hardware sectors.
- Partner with shareholders to deliver strategic financial modelling, business planning, and budgeting.
- Oversee end-to-end financial management, including management accounts, year-end financials, and banking facility management.
- Operational Impact: Drive 'shop-floor' efficiency by providing technical assistance to the factory and designing new equipment/processes to reduce costs.
- Full turnkey operation from sourcing to manufacture.
Earthmoving & Construction Project Manager / Financial Lead
Major Machines
01.2008 - 01.2018
- Managed the financial position of a large-scale construction business, integrating financial systems to improve reporting accuracy.
- Delivered detailed project reporting and analysis for major road and dam construction projects.
- Bridged the gap between technical site requirements and financial oversight to ensure project viability.
Import / Export / Manufacturing Shareholder & Financial Lead
Sabcorp
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Managed full financial duties for an international trading entity, including complex Forex recognition and reporting.
- UK Market Experience: Facilitated the resourcing of timber products for the UK-based Kingfisher Group (B&Q).
Director
GFT (Owner)
2002 - 2004
- Managed manufacturing and export of novelty products to the UK (Woolworths) and Germany.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Project Leader
Alpine (Project Manager)
2000 - 2001
- Led financial systems integration for a sourcing company managing 2,000+ containers annually for UK retailers (B&Q, Castorama, and Woolworths).
Sectional Head of Finance
Bell Equipment (Financial Accountant)
1996 - 2000
- Heavy earthmoving equipment manufacturing.
- Collaborated with team members to develop, identify and accomplish assigned goals and objectives.
Education
MBA - General
University of Wales, Cardiff
Wales, Cardiff01.2000
Bachelor Commerce (Accounting / Computers) - Accounting & Information Systems
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Analytical problem-solving
Project management
Operations management
Team management
Budget control
Decision-making
Business planning
Organizational development
Financial management
Financial planning
Financial reporting
Financial analysis
Certification
Registered with South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) - (AGASA).
STRATEGIC VALUE PROPOSITION
- Timber Industry Expert: Deep understanding of the timber supply chain, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing flow to hardware/retail distribution.
- Dual Finance-Engineering Lens: Unique ability to integrate accounting functions with engineering projects, ensuring technical milestones meet financial objectives.
- Growth & M&A Readiness: Experienced in business process modelling, shareholder reporting, and strategic planning for entities scaling through acquisition or international trade.
- Margin & Systems Optimization: Expert in standard costing, variance control, and leveraging IT/automation (including OCR) to reduce costs and increase transparency.
Timeline
Financial and Engineering Manager
Afritim (Pty) Ltd
03.2018 - Current
Earthmoving & Construction Project Manager / Financial Lead
Major Machines
01.2008 - 01.2018
Import / Export / Manufacturing Shareholder & Financial Lead
Sabcorp
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor Commerce (Accounting / Computers) - Accounting & Information Systems
University of Cape Town
04.2001 -
Director
GFT (Owner)
2002 - 2004
Project Leader
Alpine (Project Manager)
2000 - 2001
Sectional Head of Finance
Bell Equipment (Financial Accountant)
1996 - 2000
MBA - General
University of Wales, Cardiff