Head of Finance and Planning

Kontak Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation and hospitality organisation is seeking a dynamic Head of Finance and Planning to join its executive leadership team in Johannesburg. This role involves financial strategy, risk management, and driving commercial growth. Ideal candidates must have a CA(SA) qualification or equivalent, and at least 8 years of experience in finance leadership within the hospitality sector. Strong analytical and leadership skills are crucial for success. A competitive salary of R1.5 – 1.8m per annum CTC is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive finance leadership experience in hospitality.
• Proven experience as a strategic business partner to senior management.
• Hands-on knowledge of hospitality financial systems and digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Oversee accounting operations and manage financial risk.
• Drive the commercial strategy in partnership with the General Manager.

Skills

Financial management

Strategic business partnership

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Leadership and communication

Education

CA(SA) qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business

Postgraduate qualification or MBA

Tools

Opera

Micros

Sun Systems

Job description

Overview

A leading conservation and hospitality organisation is seeking a dynamic Head of Finance and Planning to join its executive leadership team.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven business that combines world-class hospitality, commercial innovation, and long-term conservation impact. The role extends well beyond traditional finance; it is both strategic and operational, guiding the commercial direction, shaping financial sustainability, and identifying new income opportunities across diverse revenue streams.

Location: Johannesburg North, Gauteng.

Salary: R1.5 – 1.8m per annum CTC.

Employment Type: Permanent.

Sector: Eco-tourism & Conservation Hospitality.

Travel: 25% spent on conservation site.

Qualifications

• A CA(SA) qualification is highly preferred. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business, along with a postgraduate qualification or an MBA, are advantageous.
• Senior-level financial management experience within the hospitality, reserve, or luxury tourism sector will also be considered.
• Must demonstrate a strong commercial mindset, with proven ability to act as a strategic business partner, developing business cases, driving profitability, and identifying new revenue opportunities.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive finance leadership experience, ideally in hospitality, reserves, or luxury resort operations.
• Proven experience as a strategic business partner to senior management.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving profitability and growth.
• Hands-on knowledge of hospitality financial systems (e.g., Opera, Micros, Sun Systems).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Skilled communicator with strong leadership and stakeholder management capability.
• Experience in financial modernisation and systems implementation.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Strategy
  • Lead all financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
  • Oversee accounting operations, cash flow management, and compliance.
  • Provide strategic analysis and recommendations to enhance profitability.
  • Maintain robust internal controls and manage financial risk.
  • Develop KPIs and metrics to track financial and operational performance.
• Commercial Strategy & Business Growth
  • Drive the commercial strategy in partnership with the General Manager.
  • Identify, evaluate, and structure new revenue and funding opportunities.
  • Provide financial modelling and insight into pricing, investment, and expansion projects.
  • Support innovation across hospitality, conservation, and donor-funded initiatives.
  • Strengthen partnerships and optimise vendor, procurement, and supply chain efficiency.
• Operational Leadership
  • Collaborate with operational heads across hospitality, conservation, and security.
  • Lead or support operational initiatives such as systems implementation, workflow improvement, or sustainability programs.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing finance team.
  • Champion process improvement and digital transformation.
• Stakeholder & Ownership Relations
  • Prepare and present detailed financial reports to ownership and key stakeholders.
  • Manage budgets, forecasts, and investment returns.