CFO

Smith Garb & Associates; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A mid-tier manufacturing firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join its Executive Management Team. This role demands a hands-on CFO with over 10 years of experience, especially in turnaround situations. Responsibilities include stabilising the business, managing financial discipline, and leading the finance team. Ideal candidates should have a CA(SA) qualification, SYSPRO ERP experience, and a strong background in manufacturing. This high-impact role offers a chance to drive real change within the organisation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of post-qualification experience with senior management exposure.
• Proven experience in manufacturing and turnaround environments.
• High EQ and maturity with a decisive leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Stabilising the business and strengthening financial discipline.
• Managing annual financial statements and audit.
• Engaging with banks and stakeholders.

Skills

Financial control

Governance and asset custodianship

Costing leadership

Risk management

Working capital recovery

Education

CA(SA) or relevant Master's qualification

Tools

SYSPRO ERP

Job description

SUMMARY

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Turnaround Manufacturing Business | Johannesburg & Namibia

A mid-tier manufacturing business in a critical turnaround and rebuild phase is seeking a commercially astute Chief Financial Officer to join its Executive Management Team. This role is suited to a hands-on, resilient CFO who thrives in complex environments, enjoys fixing fundamentals, and knows how to restore profitability, liquidity, and confidence in a business.

December Financial year-end

The Opportunity

As CFO, you will play a pivotal role in stabilising the business, strengthening financial discipline, and positioning the company for sustainable growth. You will work closely with the Board, banks, and executive team, bringing structure, insight, and momentum to the turnaround journey.

POSITION INFO

Key Focus Areas

• Financial control, governance, and asset custodianship
• Annual Financial Statements, statutory compliance, and audit management
• Working capital recovery and optimisation, including creditor renegotiations post Business Rescue Cash flow forecasting and inventory control Credit risk and customer oversight
• Costing leadership within a manufacturing environment
• Banking and debt facility management, including covenant reporting
• Risk management and oversight
• Board, shareholder, and executive reporting
• BBBEE strategy monitoring and optimisation
• Leadership of capital investment and efficiency projects (e.g. alternative energy initiatives)
• Leadership and development of the finance team

Experience & Requirements

• CA(SA) or Finance with a relevant Master’s qualification
• 10+ years post-qualification experience, with senior management exposure
• Proven experience in manufacturing and turnaround or recovery environments
• SYSPRO ERP experience – non-negotiable
• Strong costing background
• Confident engagement with banks and senior stakeholders
• High EQ, maturity, and a decisive, delivery-focused leadership style

Ideal Background

• At least 2 years in a CFO role
• 5+ years in senior financial management within manufacturing
• IFRS for medium-sized entities
• Practical BBBEE strategy and compliance experience

This is a high-impact CFO role for someone who wants to leave a clear fingerprint on a business and be part of a leadership team driving real change.