Head of Finance

Salt South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent global firm seeks a Head of Finance in Johannesburg to lead financial activities for a vital segment of their international operation. This senior leadership role demands strategic vision and practical operational excellence, fostering a collaborative environment while overseeing a dedicated finance team. The role involves financial reporting, compliance management, and strategic advisory, with an opportunity to drive impactful decisions across multiple international territories. Candidates should possess a CA(SA) qualification with relevant experience in business services and a record of effective team management.

Qualifications

• CA(SA) qualification with 5-10 years post-articles experience.
• Experience managing finance teams across international markets.
• Proven leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a finance team ensuring integrity and performance across territories.
• Prepare financial reports, analyze trends and forecasts.
• Manage cash flow and oversee compliance and audit processes.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Accounting principles

Management Accounting

Tax compliance

Leadership

Education

CA(SA)

Tools

D365 ERP

Job description

About Our Client

Our client is a prominent global firm that provides unique solutions to help brands enhance visibility and customer engagement worldwide. They operate across diverse industry sectors, managing significant international trade activities. Their business model emphasizes global procurement and distribution (they don't manufacture or hold inventory), and they are currently undergoing substantial growth, necessitating robust financial leadership.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an accomplished Head of Finance to oversee all accounting and financial activities for a vital segment of their international business. This is a senior leadership role, requiring both strategic vision and hands-on operational excellence.

What You'll Do

• You'll lead a dedicated finance team, ensuring financial integrity and optimal performance across multiple international territories. Key responsibilities include:
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare accurate financial reports, identify trends, and develop forecasts to inform business decisions.
• Cash Flow & Resource Management: Proactively manage and forecast cash flow.
• Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, manage, and foster the growth of finance staff, including remote team members.
• System Optimization: Continuously improve the utilization of accounting and reporting systems, including D365 ERP.
• Compliance & Audit Management: Ensure financial transactions are accurate, comply with regulations, and lead external audit processes.
• Planning & Tax Oversight: Lead annual financial planning and forecasting, and manage corporate and sales tax submissions.
• Strategic Advisory: Provide key financial insights and advice to support business strategy and decision-making.
• Governance & Controls: Implement and embed strong corporate governance procedures, risk management frameworks, and internal controls.

What You'll Need

• CA(SA) qualification with 5-10 years of post-articles experience.
• Highly relevant experience in business services and/or significant international market experience.
• Exceptional knowledge of Accounting principles, Management Accounting, and Tax.
• Advanced Excel skills are essential.
• Familiarity with sales tax regulations and managing cross-border financial operations.
• Proven experience working across multiple international territories in a dynamic global business.
• Experience managing a team of at least 3-4 people, including offshore or remote teams.
• Familiarity with D365 ERP systems is required.
• A natural leader who can motivate and develop a small team, ensuring high professional standards.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, manage multiple demands, and meet tight deadlines.
• A proactive, motivated approach, committed to continuous learning and driving performance improvement.

Client Culture

Our client fosters an informal culture where leading by example is a key leadership quality. You'll need to be adept at managing various communication channels and collaborating effectively with staff from diverse backgrounds.

Work Arrangement

This role requires 3 days per week in the Johannesburg office. International travel may be required.

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Desired Skills:

• CA(SA)
• CIMA
• marketing
• finance
• accounting