Head Of Finance / Financial Director

Avatar Advisory; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Avatar Advisory in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Head of Finance / Financial Director. The successful candidate will lead the finance function and provide strategic direction across the business, focusing on financial planning, reporting, and risk management.

Ideal candidates should have a strong finance background, leadership skills, and at least 10 years of experience in finance, particularly within the travel and tourism sectors. A relevant Bachelor’s degree and professional qualifications such as CA(SA) are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive finance experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role.
• Experience within Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, Aviation, Leisure, or Service Industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's financial strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and financial policies.

Skills

Financial modelling and analytical skills

Strategic Thinking

Leadership and People Management

Risk Management

Communication and Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or related field

CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent qualification

Postgraduate qualification (MBA or Master's Degree)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Overview

A leading Travel and Tourism company in Cape Town is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance / Financial Director to lead the finance function and provide strategic financial direction across the business. The successful candidate will be responsible for financial planning, reporting, governance, risk management, budgeting, cash flow optimization, and supporting executive decision-making to drive sustainable growth and profitability.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, extensive financial management experience, and a deep understanding of the travel, tourism, hospitality, or service-based sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's financial strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Act as a key advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on financial planning and business performance.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic initiatives, acquisitions, investments, and expansion opportunities.
• Drive profitability, operational efficiency, and revenue growth through sound financial management.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts.
• Deliver accurate management reports, financial models, and business insights.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities affecting financial performance.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage statutory reporting requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adherence to IFRS, tax regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Oversee external audits and liaise with auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory authorities.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital requirements.
• Oversee banking relationships and financing arrangements.
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure and international transactions where applicable.
• Develop strategies to optimize cash management and financial resources.

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and financial policies.
• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and commercial risks.
• Ensure robust financial governance and compliance frameworks.
• Monitor insurance, contractual obligations, and financial risk exposure.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance department.
• Build a high-performance finance team focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage performance reviews, training, and succession planning.
• Foster collaboration between finance and operational departments.

Commercial & Operational Support

• Partner with business leaders to improve operational performance.
• Evaluate pricing strategies, supplier agreements, and profitability models.
• Support business development initiatives and contract negotiations.
• Provide financial input into tourism packages, partnerships, and expansion projects.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive financial process automation and system enhancements.
• Improve reporting efficiencies and financial controls.
• Lead ERP and financial software optimization projects.
• Promote data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.

Minimum Requirements Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or related field.
• CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent professional qualification highly preferred.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or Master's Degree) advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive finance experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role.
• Experience within Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, Aviation, Leisure, or Service Industries preferred.
• Proven experience managing large budgets, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
• Strong experience with financial reporting, compliance, and corporate governance.

Technical Skills

• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of IFRS and South African tax legislation.
• Experience with ERP and financial management systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Treasury and cash flow management expertise.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Commercial Acumen
• Leadership and People Management
• Financial Analysis and Reporting
• Business Partnering
• Risk Management
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Negotiation Skills
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• High Attention to Detail
• Ethical Leadership and Integrity

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Budget accuracy and forecast performance
• Revenue growth and profitability improvement
• Cash flow management effectiveness
• Working capital optimization
• Financial reporting accuracy and timeliness
• Audit outcomes and compliance adherence
• Cost reduction and efficiency initiatives
• Team performance and development
• Risk mitigation and governance compliance