Chief Financial Officer

Blue Recruiting; East London; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural and manufacturing group is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic and operational financial leadership. This senior role will involve professionalising the finance function and supporting the transition to a modern structure. Candidates must have a CA(SA) qualification and at least 10 years of finance leadership experience in relevant sectors. The role offers an opportunity to impact sustainability in a purpose-driven environment with a market-related compensation package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' post-articles experience, with at least 5 years in senior finance leadership.
• Proven background in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, or industrial sectors.
• Exposure to private-equity or investor-owned environments advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor finance, payroll, HR, and administration teams.
• Oversee reporting across multiple legal entities.
• Partner with the CEO on growth strategy.

Skills

Leadership and team-building ability

Strong communication skills

Strategic thinking

Financial management expertise

Education

CA(SA) qualification

Tools

ERP systems proficiency

Job description

Introduction

An established agricultural and manufacturing group, backed by an international investment firm focused on sustainable land use, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide both strategic and operational financial leadership. The CFO will professionalise the finance function, strengthen governance and reporting, partner with the CEO on growth initiatives, and support the transition from a long‑standing family‑owned business to a modern, investor‑led structure. This is a senior role offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a purpose‑driven, real‑economy environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Governance Lead and mentor the finance, payroll, HR, and administration teams. Drive organisational discipline, accountability, and a performance‑based culture. Ensure full compliance with accounting, tax, payroll, and corporate legislation. Oversee risk, legal, and insurance functions in collaboration with external advisors. Act as Company Secretary to the Board and chair relevant governance committees.
2. Financial Management & Reporting Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting across multiple legal entities. Consolidate group results (IFRS for SMEs) and prepare shareholder board packs. Manage budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting at divisional and group level. Strengthen internal controls and audit readiness. Lead annual audit and statutory compliance processes.
3. Strategic & Corporate Finance Partner with the CEO and shareholders to develop and execute growth strategy. Support capital‑raising, funding negotiations, and banking relationships. Evaluate potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities; lead due diligence and integration. Develop and monitor KPIs linking operational metrics to financial outcomes.
4. Treasury & Working Capital Management Manage liquidity, cash forecasting, and debt covenants. Oversee CAPEX cycles, replanting programmes, and asset maintenance. Optimise working capital across inventory, receivables, and payables.
5. ESG & Impact Reporting Implement sustainability and ESG reporting frameworks aligned with investor expectations. Coordinate environmental, social, and governance data collection and disclosure across operations.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications & Experience CA(SA) qualification — essential. Minimum 10 years' post‑articles experience, with at least 5 years in senior finance leadership. Proven background in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, or industrial sectors. Exposure to private‑equity or investor‑owned environments advantageous. Strong corporate‑finance, consolidation, and stakeholder‑reporting capabilities. Advanced systems proficiency; ERP experience beneficial.

Personal Attributes Strategic yet hands‑on. Strong leadership and team‑building ability. Commercially astute with operational insight across agricultural and manufacturing operations. Resilient, pragmatic, and collaborative. Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills. High integrity and a strong commitment to sustainability values.

Package & Remuneration

Market related