Chief Finance Officer - Farming and Export

Keller Executive Search; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 3 500 000 - 5 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural firm in Cape Town is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead financial strategy and oversee organizational transformation. The CFO will work closely with the CEO to optimize financial performance and ensure sound governance. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in finance, with strong leadership skills and knowledge in financial reporting and risk management. This role includes a competitive salary and benefits package including relocation support and potential bonuses.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus structure

Relocation support

Comprehensive retirement benefits

Opportunities for career advancement

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Maintain liquidity positions and manage cash operations.
• Direct preparation of financial statements and budgets.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO.

Skills

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

Leadership

Risk management

Auditing processes

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA) SA

Master's degree or MBA

Tools

Microsoft Business Central ERP

Job description

Our client, a prominent citrus and table grape producer, packer, and exporter based in the Western Cape, is looking for a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to spearhead financial strategy, organisational transformation, and sustainable growth. With operations spanning multiple farming sites and export activities reaching the UK and global markets, this family‑owned enterprise presents an exceptional opportunity to join a values‑driven organisation committed to operational excellence and stability.

Working alongside the CEO and executive leadership, the CFO will be instrumental in optimising financial performance, enabling informed decision‑making through robust data analysis, and maintaining sound financial governance as the organisation transitions through the current CFO’s retirement.

The position is located in Bellville, Cape Town, requiring periodic domestic travel and potential international travel accompanying the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain liquidity positions and direct cash management operations
• Evaluate operational financial results and provide actionable recommendations to maximise margins
• Direct the preparation of financial statements, budgets, forecast, and business plans
• Cultivate and sustain productive partnerships with ownership groups
• Deliver strategic financial guidance and commercial insights to the CEO and senior management
• Evaluate and advise on capital allocation, investment opportunities, and growth initiatives
• Establish comprehensive risk mitigation frameworks and maintain adherence to regulatory requirements

Sector‑Specific Responsibilities

• Manage currency risk exposure and execute hedging mechanisms for cross‑border commerce
• Develop and lead a geographically distributed finance function supporting operational business units
• Establish and sustain comprehensive internal control frameworks and audit protocols
• Champion technology‑enabled transformation initiatives and process optimisation efforts
• Maintain compliance with international trade regulations and industry‑specific standards
• Navigate agricultural production cash cycles and optimise working capital deployment
• Facilitate expenditure decisions across production, processing, and distribution infrastructure

First 90‑180 Days

• Gain stakeholder confidence and establish rapport with the finance organisation
• Conduct thorough assessment of existing financial infrastructure, workflows, and governance mechanisms
• Partner with outgoing CFO to facilitate seamless knowledge transfer
• Immerse in operational activities and develop cross‑functional relationships throughout the business

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of financial reporting, internal controls, audit processes, cash flow management, and regulatory compliance
• Leadership: Demonstrated strong leadership, communication and people management skills
• Experience: Minimum 10 years’ progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Professional Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA) SA or equivalent SAICA qualification
• Languages: Fluency in English and Afrikaans (written and spoken)
• Personal Attributes: High level of integrity, family values, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Financial Expertise: Proven expertise in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, forecasting and risk management

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced academic credentials such as Master’s degree or MBA
• Background in agricultural sectors, specifically citrus and table grape cultivation/export operations
• Familiarity with producer/packer/exporter business models in the Western Cape region
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Business Central ERP systems
• Experience with infrastructure investment decisions, agricultural working capital management, currency hedging, international trade compliance, and system implementation

Benefits

Compensation:

• Performance‑based bonus structure
• CTC: R3.5 million – R5 million per annum, depending on qualifications and experience
• Flexibility for exceptional candidates

Additional Benefits:

• Relocation support available for suitable candidates
• Comprehensive retirement benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement and continuous learning
• Strong handover period with the current CFO
• Supportive, diverse, and innovative team culture

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination Policy

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.