Farm Business Analyst

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, South Africa is seeking a strategic Farm Business Analyst to drive financial performance and operational efficiency across the agricultural operations. The role combines data collection, modeling, and interpretation to deliver actionable insights for senior management.

You will build forecasting models, monitor market trends, evaluate crop and livestock profitability, and support budgeting, capex planning, and resource allocation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s is a plus.
• 4+ years in business/financial analysis, preferably in the agricultural sector.
• Strong financial acumen, accounting principles, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency with Excel (advanced), SQL, and BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze financial and operational data from farm units.
• Develop financial models and forecasts to predict future performance and identify risks and opportunities.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management with key insights.
• Evaluate profitability of different crops, livestock, and activities.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and competitor activities to inform planning.
• Identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvements within farm operations.
• Assist in the development and management of farm budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Support decision-making processes related to resource allocation, investment, and operational strategies.
• Implement and manage farm management software and data analytics tools.

Skills

Data analysis

Financial analysis

Excel (Advanced)

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Presentation skills

Communication

Agricultural sector knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics

Master's degree

Tools

Excel

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Farm management software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and analytical Farm Business Analyst to join their operations based out of Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA. This role is pivotal in driving financial performance and operational efficiency across the agricultural business. The Farm Business Analyst will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data related to farm operations, market trends, and financial performance to provide actionable insights and recommendations. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work for data analysis and reporting tasks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong financial acumen, excellent analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural sector. Your expertise will directly contribute to informed decision-making and the sustainable growth of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze financial and operational data from various farm units.
• Develop financial models and forecasts to predict future performance and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key trends, insights, and recommendations.
• Evaluate the profitability of different crops, livestock, and operational activities.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and competitor activities to inform strategic planning.
• Identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvement within farm operations.
• Assist in the development and management of farm budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Support decision-making processes related to resource allocation, investment, and operational strategies.
• Implement and manage farm management software and data analytics tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Agricultural Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in business analysis, financial analysis, or a related role, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel (advanced), SQL, and business intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Experience with farm management software or ERP systems is highly desirable.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site collaboration with independent remote work.
• Knowledge of the agricultural landscape in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA, is beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within the company are available.

Join a forward-thinking agricultural organization committed to data-driven decision-making and sustainable growth in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA.