Head of Finance and Planning (JB5715)

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

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a dynamic Head of Finance and Planning to join its executive team in Johannesburg North, Gauteng. The role goes beyond traditional finance and encompasses strategic and operational responsibilities. The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of leadership experience, preferably in hospitality or luxury tourism, and possess strong commercial acumen. This position offers a competitive salary and a purpose-driven work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Experience in hospitality, reserves, or luxury tourism sector.
• Hands-on knowledge of hospitality financial systems.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Analytical skills

Financial planning

Stakeholder management

Education

CA(SA) or equivalent degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business

Postgraduate qualification or MBA

Tools

Opera

Micros

Sun Systems

Job description

Overview

Head of Finance and Planning (JB5715)

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

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.

Working closely with the General Manager, you will act as a trusted business partner and key commercial driver, overseeing financial planning, performance management, business modelling, and transformation. You’ll play a pivotal role in modernising systems, optimising profitability, and unlocking new commercial avenues while ensuring that the organisation’s values and sustainability commitments remain at the forefront.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.

Key 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.

If you are a commercially astute finance leader who thrives in dynamic environments and wants to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please do not apply using scanned CVs; no supporting documentation is required at this point. This will be requested later.

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer

• Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcome, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
• Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.
• Fair process: Fair assessment; only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.
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• Offer clarity: Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.
• No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.
• Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.

Location note: Johannesburg North, Gauteng; Travel: 25% on conservation site.