Head of Finance

Cash Crusaders Retail (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading second-hand retailer in Cape Town is looking for a Head of Finance to lead a finance team of over 30 members. This role involves overseeing compliance in financial reporting, managing payroll, and developing financial strategies. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in finance, preferably in a retail environment, and will be committed to ethical practices and team leadership.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Annual performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Employee discounts on products

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of progressive finance experience, with 5–7 years in a senior role.
• Experience managing payroll operations at a senior level, with knowledge of South African labor law.
• Proven track record managing substantial budgets (R 1bn and above).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a finance team in excess of 30 members.
• Oversee accounting, treasury, tax, and audit processes.
• Manage payroll functions ensuring compliance with local laws.
• Develop and oversee annual budgets, forecasts, and financial strategies.

Skills

Leadership and Communication

Adaptability

Technical Proficiency

Excel Proficiency

Payroll Expertise

Problem-Solving

Ethical Integrity

Analytical and Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or related field

Professional certification such as CA(SA)

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Tools

Sage 300

Sage One

Sage Intacct

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Head of Finance

Department: Finance

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Employment Type: Full-time

Company: Cash Crusaders is South Africa's largest second-hand retailer, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Cape Town. With over 280 retail stores nationwide, we specialize in buying, selling, and pawning a wide range of new and pre-owned goods, including electronics, appliances, jewellery, musical instruments, and more. We also provide short-term cash loans and pawning services, empowering entrepreneurs and communities through accessible retail and financial solutions. The business is split into 3 divisions: Franchising (approximately 120 stores), CCW (New Goods imports and supply chain solutions), and Corporate stores (approximately 160 stores).

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a finance team in excess of 30 members across all 3 divisions, promoting a culture of excellence, ethical practices, and adaptability in a franchised retail setting. Include succession planning, skills development, and fostering accuracy within the finance team.
• Oversee Operational Finance Management: lead accounting, treasury, tax, and audit processes, ensuring accurate reporting, cash flow optimization, and compliance with IFRS, SARS requirements, and the Companies Act.
• Manage Payroll: design, implement, and monitor all payroll-related functions for corporate stores and head offices, ensuring accurate and timely payments across multiple locations. Ensure compliance with PAYE, UIF, SDL, pension/provident fund contributions, BCEA provisions, and internal policies; oversee audits, internal controls, and integration with HR and ERP platforms; maintain data confidentiality and manage vendor relationships; provide strategic recommendations to optimize payroll efficiency and contribute to financial planning and labor-cost insights.
• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): develop and oversee annual budgets, forecasts, and multi-year financial strategies, accounting for seasonal retail trends, franchise royalties, pawn loan interest, and inventory cycles specific to second-hand goods.
• Risk Management and Compliance: establish internal controls and manage risks related to retail and lending, ensuring compliance with NCA, NCR guidelines, Second-Hand Goods Act, FICA, and anti-money laundering regulations.
• Strategic Support: deliver financial modeling for franchise expansions, store acquisitions, or digital lending initiatives; advise the CFO on South African economic factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and consumer spending trends.
• Cost Control and Optimization: analyze and reduce costs across corporate stores, franchise operations, and the supply chain.
• Stakeholder Engagement: partner with franchisees, executives, auditors, banks, and regulators (e.g., FSCA) to present financial metrics and insights; communicate financial implications clearly to stakeholders.
• Technology Integration: implement and enhance financial systems (e.g., ERP like Sage or Pastel); promote automation and analytics to improve accuracy and decision-making speed.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Professional certification such as CA(SA).
• 12–15 years of progressive finance experience, with 5–7 years in a senior role, preferably in retail or franchising.
• Experience in managing payroll operations at a senior level, including knowledge of South African labor law, statutory deductions, and payroll systems integration with HR and ERP platforms (Sage 300).
• Experience in a franchised or multi-site environment, with knowledge of South African regulatory frameworks for credit providers and second-hand dealers.
• Proven track record managing substantial budgets (R 1bn and above).

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and Communication: ability to lead a large financial team and communicate financial data clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Adaptability: thrives in a fast-paced, franchised retail environment with multiple priorities.
• Technical Proficiency: proficiency in financial software (Sage One and Sage Intacct).
• Excel Proficiency: strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Payroll Expertise: deep understanding of payroll governance, systems, and compliance; translate payroll data into actionable insights.
• Problem-Solving: adept at addressing issues around financial reporting, tax, and year-end audits.
• Ethical Integrity: commitment to ethical financial practices and transparency.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: ability to analyze complex data and forecast retail and lending trends within South Africa’s economic context.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration package, including annual performance bonuses, medical aid, pension fund contributions, and employee discounts on products.
• Professional development opportunities and career progression within South Africa's leading second-hand retailer.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that values innovation.