CFO Head of Finance

Cognia Law UK Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 3,000,000 - 5,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognia Law UK Limited is seeking a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead the finance function for the UK and South Africa. You will shape the financial strategy, partner with the Leadership team, and drive growth, profitability and long-term value across the business.

The role requires a CA(SA) with SAICA registration, 10+ years post-qualification, including 5+ years in senior finance leadership, and hands-on experience across SA and UK financial environments, group accounting, and

Qualifications

• A CA(SA) qualification (registered with SAICA), supported by a relevant undergraduate degree in accounting or finance.
• Minimum 10 years of post-qualification experience, including at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role (Finance Director, Head of Finance or equivalent) leading the complete finance function.
• Experience operating at or close to CFO level within a professional services, consulting, legal services or knowledge-based business.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Highly commercial and strategic thinker who is analytical and solutions-oriented, able to identify issues independently and present practical recommendations.
• Demonstrated success operating within entrepreneurial, fast-paced and growth-focused organisations.
• Substantial hands-on experience of both the South African and UK financial, tax and statutory environments, including managing compliance and submissions for entities in each.
• Experience in group accounting, including consolidation, intercompany and management fee arrangements, audit, company secretarial, risk and insurance matters, and compliance processes such as ISO.
• Proactive and accountable, comfortable taking ownership of outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial leadership to shape growth and long-term value creation.
• Financial planning, analysis and reporting to drive performance and decision support.
• Lead group accounting, reporting and financial operations across entities.
• Oversee commercial finance, pricing and profitability.
• Manage cash flow, treasury and working capital to safeguard liquidity.
• Strengthen governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Drive technology, systems integration and business optimisation.
• Oversee facilities and business operations to ensure cost discipline.
• Build and develop a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Commercially astute

Analytical thinker

Solutions oriented

Strategic leadership

Hands-on finance

Attention to detail

Education

CA(SA) (SAICA registered)

Undergraduate degree in accounting or finance

Job description

End-to-end ownership of Cognia's finance function: from financial strategy, planning and reporting, through to pricing, treasury, group accounting and governance, enabling profitable and sustainable growth across the UK and South Africa.

As Chief Financial Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and commercial direction of the business, partnering with the Leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen financial performance and create long-term value.

Job requirements

• A CA(SA) qualification (registered with SAICA), supported by a relevant undergraduate degree in accounting or finance.
• Minimum 10 years' post-qualification experience, including at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role (Finance Director, Head of Finance or equivalent) that includes leading the complete finance function with minimal oversight and support, while remaining hands-on.
• Experience operating at or close to CFO level within a professional services, consulting, legal services or knowledge-based business.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Highly commercial and strategic thinker who is naturally curious, analytical and solutions-oriented, able to identify issues independently and present practical recommendations.
• Demonstrated success operating within entrepreneurial, fast-paced and growth-focused organisations.
• Substantial hands‑on experience of both the South African and UK financial, tax and statutory environments, including managing compliance and submissions for entities in each.
• Experience in group accounting, including consolidation, intercompany and management fee arrangements, audit, company secretarial, risk and insurance matters, and compliance processes such as ISO.
• Proactive and accountable, comfortable taking ownership of outcomes.

Additional beneficial skills:

• Exposure to US markets and international expansion initiatives.
• Experience overseeing or partnering closely with technology and business operations functions.
• Experience with automation, legal technology, AI-enabled services or technology-led operating models.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Strategic Financial Leadership – Shaping financial strategy to drive growth and long-term value creation.
• Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting – Driving financial performance, forecasting and executive decision support.
• Group Accounting & Financial Operations – Leading group-wide financial integrity, reporting and operational excellence.
• Commercial Finance & Pricing – Optimising commercial strategy, pricing and profitability.
• Cash Flow, Treasury & Working Capital Management – Safeguarding liquidity and optimising capital allocation.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance – Strengthening financial governance, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance.
• Technology, Systems & Business Optimisation – Driving digital enablement, systems integration and operational transformation.
• Facilities & Business Operations Oversight – Driving operational effectiveness, cost discipline and resource optimisation.
• Finance Team Leadership & Development – Building a high-performing finance function with strong leadership and accountability.

This is an opportunity for a commercially astute, forward-thinking CFO to shape business strategy, influence executive decision-making and ensure finance is a catalyst for growth, innovation and sustainable business success.

Cognia Law is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and able to contribute meaningfully. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and experience strengthens our teams and enhances the quality of service we provide to our clients. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable consideration, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and be their authentic selves at work. In accordance with our Employment Equity goals, preference may be given to candidates from designated groups.