Head of Finance

Carl Zeiss Vision South Africa Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS in Randburg, South Africa, seeks a Head of Finance to lead financial operations, risk management and governance for expansion across Africa. You will report to the Managing Director and collaborate with multinational teams to drive sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, budgeting, compliance, cash management, and owning the SAP ERP system. A CA(SA) qualification and 5+ years in senior finance are essential; MBA is a plus.

Qualifications

• CA(SA) qualification and 5+ years in a senior finance role with multinational exposure.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, tax regulations and internal controls.
• Proven leadership, with ability to develop teams and cross-functional partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and change management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis; optimise costs to support expansion.
• Oversee financial reporting, compliance, VAT, income tax reviews and external audits.
• Own SAP ERP, drive system improvements and governance across finance processes.
• Manage logistics, facilities and warehouse operations to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Coordinate with legal and regulatory matters and risk management reporting.

Skills

Leadership

IFRS

Tax

Internal controls

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Project management

Change management

Financial systems

Education

CA(SA)

MBA (desirable)

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

ZEISS is technology and innovation. Founded in Germany in 1846, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries across 50 countries. As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is committed to responsibility in all its activities. As a pioneer in scientific optics, our employees across the globe continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, ZEISS creates value for its customers and helps shape new ways of seeing the world.

We're looking for a Head of Finance to join us in Randburg, South Africa.

Join our South African business and help shape the financial and operational foundations for sustainable growth. Working closely with local leaders and international colleagues, you will support our business operations and contribute to our expansion across Africa. Your Role Reporting to the Managing Director and working as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead our financial operations alongside facilities, logistics and warehouse management. You will combine strategic insight with practical leadership to strengthen financial performance, improve operational efficiency and support responsible growth.

The role of Head of Finance will involve: Leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis, identifying opportunities to optimise costs and support expansion into new markets and services. Overseeing financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, VAT and income tax reviews, and external audits. You will present financial insights during quarterly Board calls and monthly business unit reviews. Managing cash flow, liquidity and treasury activities to support operational needs, strategic investment and financial risk mitigation. Taking ownership of the SAP ERP system and improving financial systems, internal controls, governance and administrative processes through technology and automation. Partnering with leaders across the business, providing clear analysis and insight to guide decisions, improve productivity and enable growth. Overseeing logistics and warehouse operations, including transportation, shipping, receiving, inventory control, order fulfilment and distribution. You will manage budgets, supplier relationships and performance to deliver efficient, reliable and compliant operations. Managing facilities, property leases, maintenance, renovations and capital expenditure, while maintaining health, safety and environmental standards and overseeing electricity and water reporting. Coordinating legal and compliance matters with external legal counsel, including tenders, contract reviews, negotiations and regulatory requirements. You will also strengthen contract management practices across the business. Acting as Export Control Manager, overseeing sanctions screening, blocked orders, cross-border deliveries, export licences and supporting documentation. You will advise colleagues, coordinate with trade compliance specialists and stop transactions where export compliance is uncertain. Where applicable, this includes coordinating export control requirements for digital business activities. Leading quarterly risk reviews, maintaining the annual risk inventory and submitting risk reports within required deadlines, with prompt escalation of significant risks to the Managing Director and Group Risk Management. Supporting the financial administration and legal aspects of the SSC Africa expansion project, working closely with project teams. Leading and developing the finance and logistics teams, promoting collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement while demonstrating ZEISS leadership principles and our Code of Conduct.

Your Experience A Chartered Accountant (South Africa) qualification: CA(SA). A minimum of five years' experience in a senior finance role, including experience working with multinational companies. Strong knowledge of IFRS, tax regulations and internal control systems, supported by sound financial planning, reporting and cash management expertise. Experience in risk management and mitigation, together with experience in facilities, logistics and warehouse management. Proven leadership skills, with the ability to develop teams and build trusted relationships across functions. Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate financial information into clear recommendations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside strong negotiation, project management and change management capabilities. Confidence using financial systems and technology to improve processes and efficiency. A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Sound judgement and a strong commitment to ethical conduct. It would be desirable if you had: An MBA. Experience within the medical technology sector.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: Joe Taroni, Maite Nomthandaso Makgai Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That's just what our employees are doing every single day - in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together. Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.