CFO

Smith Garb and Associates CC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A mid-tier manufacturing firm is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a pivotal role in stabilising the business and driving growth. The ideal candidate will have a CA(SA) or BCom Finance and over 10 years of experience, including SYSPRO ERP knowledge. Responsibilities include financial control, stakeholder engagement, and managing working capital recovery efforts. This is a high-impact role to influence real change within the company.

Qualifications

• Proven post-qualification experience in a CFO role.
• Experience in manufacturing and turnaround environments.
• Strong costing background essential.

Responsibilities

• Stabilise the business, strengthen financial discipline.
• Lead financial control, governance, and statutory compliance.
• Oversee working capital recovery and optimisation.

Skills

Financial control

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

SYSPRO ERP

Costing leadership

Education

CA(SA) or BCom Finance with a Master's qualification

Tools

SYSPRO ERP

Job description

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.

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 finance oversight
• Costing leadership within a manufacturing environment
• Banking and debt facility management, including covenant reporting
• Risk management and insurance 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 BCom 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.