Head of Finance and Controlling Optronics

HENSOLDT South Africa; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

HENSOLDT South Africa seeks a Head of Finance and Controlling to lead the Finance and Controlling function, ensuring strategic leadership and hands-on financial management to drive sustainable performance.

The role requires a BCom in Accounting/Finance with IFRS knowledge and 10+ years in operational or project environments; CIMA is advantageous. SAP and advanced Excel/financial modelling are essential.

Qualifications

• BCom degree in accounting, finance or equivalent with Accounting III.
• CIMA or equivalent qualification preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in finance within operational, manufacturing or project-based environments.
• IFRS knowledge and international business exposure.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across the Business Unit with executive and operational partners to identify risks and opportunities.
• Direct accounting reviews, reconciliations and control processes to ensure IFRS compliance and governance.
• Prepare management accounts, cash flow forecasts and profitability analyses for actionable decisions.
• Provide hands-on financial leadership across projects, bids and operations including project accounting, cost control and revenue recognition.
• Lead and develop the Finance and Controlling team to deliver high-quality financial services.

Skills

Financial planning

Budgeting

Forecasting

IFRS

SAP ERP

Excel & Modelling

Risk management

Contract review

Education

BCom Degree in Accounting/Finance

CIMA or equivalent

Tools

SAP ERP Financial Management

Advanced Excel

Job description

About The Role

The Head of Finance and Controlling leads the Business Unit’s finance and controlling function by combining strategic financial leadership with hands‑on financial management, analysis and operational support. The role protects financial integrity, enables informed commercial decision‑making and drives sustainable business performance while ensuring compliance with statutory, accounting and corporate governance requirements.

Qualification and experience

• BCom Degree in Accounting, Finance or an equivalent qualification, including Accounting III.
• CIMA or an equivalent professional finance qualification will be advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive finance experience within an operational, manufacturing or project-based environment.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in international business and trade.
• Knowledge and practical application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Key technical skills

• Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting
• Financial Reporting and Management Accounting
• IFRS and Project Financial Compliance
• Revenue Recognition
• Long-Term Contract and Project Accounting
• Manufacturing Finance and Cost Accounting
• Cash-Flow Forecasting
• Working-Capital Management
• Commercial Finance and Business Partnering
• Profitability and Variance Analysis
• Bid Costing and Contract Review
• Financial Risk Management
• Internal Financial Controls
• SAP ERP Financial Management
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Financial Modelling
• Audit Management

Key responsibilities

Financial Strategy, Planning and Business Partnering

Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across the Business Unit while partnering with executive, programme and operational stakeholders to identify financial risks, opportunities and corrective actions, resulting in improved business performance and informed strategic decision-making.

Financial Control, Governance and Compliance

Direct the review and control of accounting entries, reconciliations, financial schedules and control processes across the Business Unit to maintain compliance with IFRS, statutory requirements and corporate finance policies, resulting in accurate financial records and strong financial governance.

Financial Reporting and Commercial Analysis

Prepare and critically evaluate management accounts, financial reports, cash‑flow forecasts, profitability analyses and performance information to translate financial results and variances into actionable commercial insights, resulting in timely and evidence‑based management decisions.

Operational Finance and Project Support

Provide hands‑on financial leadership across projects, bids and business operations through project accounting, cost control, revenue recognition, contract review, working‑capital management and SAP financial processes to resolve complex financial matters, resulting in commercially sound programme execution and controlled financial performance.

Finance Leadership and Capability Development

Lead and develop the Finance and Controlling team by establishing clear performance expectations, strengthening technical capability and improving financial processes to build an accountable and business‑focused finance function, resulting in consistent delivery of high‑quality financial services.

Our recruitment values

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organisational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline

15 October 2026.