Head of Finance Operations

Network2; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Network2 in South Africa seeks a Head: Finance Operations to lead the finance function across group entities and partner with Operations Directors and the CEO to drive financial performance.

Required are CA(SA), 6+ years post-articles, 4+ years leading a finance team, IFRS15 experience and construction/renewables exposure; responsibilities include budgeting, reporting, cashflow and compliance.

Qualifications

• CA(SA) qualification is mandatory.
• Minimum 6 years post-articles experience.
• At least 4 years proven experience leading and managing a finance team.
• Strong construction/project environment experience.
• Experience across multiple entities and/or international operations.
• Strong IFRS15 knowledge.
• Strong knowledge of SA tax legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full financial accounting function across all group entities.
• Lead and develop the Debtors, Accounting and Creditors teams.
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, journals and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Act as a key finance partner in monthly project review meetings with Ops Directors, Country Managers and CEO.
• Drive budget vs forecast variance analysis, budgets and forecasts.
• Develop and maintain cashflow models and financial scenario planning.
• Oversee debtors, WIP and day-to-day financial follow-ups.
• Coordinate creditor payments and group-wide cashflow management.
• Review and approve creditor payments for group companies.
• Take responsibility for P&L performance across designated areas.
• Oversee group-wide financial aspects of asset management.
• Ensure compliance with financial legislation and reporting requirements.
• Provide guidance and leadership to junior finance professionals.
• Stay abreast of financial technology and identify improvements.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial modelling

Analytical capability

Reporting skills

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Deadline management

Education

CA(SA)

Job description

Ready to take ownership of finance across a business where construction, renewables and international projects meet? A dynamic and growing South African construction and infrastructure group is looking for a Head: Finance Operations to take ownership of the full finance function across its group entities. The business operates within the construction, industrial and renewable energy sectors, delivering complex projects across multiple markets. With an increasingly international footprint, this is an environment where finance is closely integrated with project delivery, operational performance and strategic decision-making. This is far from a traditional finance leadership position. You’ll have visibility across multiple entities and countries, working closely with Operations Directors, Country Managers and the CEO while overseeing the financial performance of designated areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full financial accounting function across all group entities.
• Lead and develop the Debtors, Accounting and Creditors teams, ensuring consistent and accurate delivery.
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, journals and balance sheet reconciliations across the group.
• Act as a key finance partner in monthly project review meetings with Operations Directors, Country Managers and the CEO.
• Drive detailed budget vs forecast variance analysis, budgets and forecasts.
• Develop and maintain cashflow models and financial scenario planning across group entities.
• Oversee debtors, WIP and day-to-day financial follow-ups.
• Coordinate creditor payments and group-wide cashflow management.
• Review and approve creditor payments for group companies.
• Take responsibility for P&L performance across designated areas.
• Oversee group-wide financial aspects of asset management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial legislation, regulations and reporting requirements.
• Provide guidance, mentorship and leadership to junior finance professionals.
• Stay abreast of financial technology and identify opportunities to improve finance processes, systems and efficiencies.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

Education

• CA(SA) – mandatory.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years post-articles experience.
• At least 4 years' proven experience leading and managing a finance team.
• Strong experience within the construction industry, ideally with exposure to industrial and/or renewable energy projects.
• Experience working across multiple entities and/or international operations.
• International experience would be advantageous, particularly exposure to markets such as Mozambique, Namibia, Mauritius, Dubai/UAE or Kenya.
• Strong experience with cashflow modelling and financial scenario planning.
• Proven knowledge of IFRS, particularly IFRS 15.
• Strong knowledge of South African tax legislation and regulations.
• Experience with project accounting, WIP and operational finance would be advantageous.
• BuildSmart experience would be advantageous.

Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical capability.
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
• Strong organisational and deadline-management skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving ability with a proactive, solution-driven approach.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a changing and fast-paced environment.

Non-negotiable

• CA(SA) qualification.
• Minimum 6 years post-articles experience.
• Proven finance team leadership experience.
• Construction/project environment experience.
• Strong IFRS15 knowledge.