Head of Finance & Operations

CA Financial Appointments; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Finance based in Cape Town. This role involves leading the finance function across South Africa, the UK, and the USA. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally with a CA(SA) qualification. You will be responsible for budgeting, cash flow management, and delivering financial insights to support strategic decisions. A hands-on, commercially astute individual will thrive in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in finance leadership within the SME space.
• Understanding of US Tax laws is highly advantageous.
• Strong grounding in financial management, reporting, and compliance.
• Ability to translate financial data into business insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full finance function across three countries.
• Take ownership of budgeting and cash flow management.
• Deliver monthly management accounts with financial insights.
• Ensure tax, legal, and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, manage costs, and streamline processes.
• Lead and develop the finance team on a day-to-day basis.

Skills

Senior finance leadership experience

Hands-on financial management

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Problem solving

Education

CA(SA)

Job description

Location - Cape Town, CBD (Office-based)

Step into a Head of Finance role where you won’t just report on the numbers, you’ll help shape the business. This internationally active contemporary art group operates across South Africa, the UK and the USA, and has an entrepreneurial, fast-moving environment.

This role is ideal for a operation, commercially minded, hands‑on finance leader who enjoys being close to the detail while contributing at a strategic level. You’ll take full ownership of the finance function across the Group, working closely with the Managing Director and CEO to support decision‑making, improve performance, and drive efficiency.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and manage the full finance function across South Africa, the UK and the USA
• Take ownership of budgeting, rolling forecasts, and weekly cash flow management
• Deliver monthly management accounts and provide clear financial insights to leadership
• Ensure compliance with tax, legal, and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, manage costs, and streamline processes
• Lead and develop the finance team on a day‑to‑day basis

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within the SME space
• CA(SA) with 10+ years’ experience
• Understanding of US Tax laws highly advantageous
• Strong grounding in financial management, reporting, and compliance
• Highly hands‑on, with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally
• Commercially astute, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Confident communicator, able to translate financial data into business insight

If you don’t hear back from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful. But stay in touch, follow us online and keep an eye out for future opportunities.