Newly Qualified CA(SA): Operational Finance

Network Finance; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a CA(SA) with 3-8 years post-articles experience to drive operational and commercial performance across national stores and business units.

The role focuses on profitability analysis, process improvements, and leadership of strategic projects. Regular travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg is required as you partner with executive teams to implement growth strategies.

Qualifications

• CA(SA) qualification is required.
• Minimum 3-8 years post-articles experience.
• Experience in retail, FMCG, distribution, manufacturing, or related operationally intensive environment.
• Proven ability to partner with operational stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen and business understanding.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive management to drive operational and commercial performance.
• Analyse and improve profitability across stores, regions, and business units.
• Lead business improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, processes, and cost management.
• Drive inventory optimisation, stock management, and working capital improvements.
• Review operational KPIs and ensure accountability across the business.
• Lead strategic projects, business transformation initiatives, and change management processes.
• Travel regularly between Cape Town and Johannesburg operations.
• Work closely with branch, regional, and operational leadership teams.
• Develop and implement business strategies to support growth and profitability.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on operational and commercial decisions.

Skills

Data analysis

Financial modelling

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Commercial acumen

Education

CA(SA) qualification

3-8 years post-articles experience

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with executive management to drive operational and commercial performance
• Analyse and improve profitability across stores, regions, and business units
• Lead business improvement and operational excellence initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, processes, and cost management
• Drive inventory optimisation, stock management, and working capital improvements
• Review operational KPIs and ensure accountability across the business
• Lead strategic projects, business transformation initiatives, and change management processes
• Travel regularly between Cape Town and Johannesburg operations
• Work closely with branch, regional, and operational leadership teams
• Develop and implement business strategies to support growth and profitability
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on operational and commercial decisions

Requirements

• CA(SA) qualification
• Minimum 3-8 years post-articles experience
• Experience within retail, FMCG, distribution, manufacturing, or another operationally intensive environment
• Proven ability to partner with operational stakeholders
• Strong commercial acumen and business understanding
• Advanced data analysis and financial modelling skills
• Demonstrated leadership capability
• Strong project management and problem-solving abilities
• Willingness to travel regularly

The Ideal Candidate

• Wants to run a business rather than simply report on one
• Enjoys solving operational challenges and driving business performance
• Comfortable operating in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Naturally curious and commercially minded
• Strong presence and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Hands-on, resilient, and execution-focused
• Passionate about operations, process improvement, and leadership
• Excited by the opportunity to make a visible impact on the business

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

This role offers a unique pathway for a CA(SA) looking to accelerate their career into general management, operations leadership, or executive management.

You will gain exposure to:

• National retail operations
• Business strategy and execution
• Supply chain and inventory management
• Operational turnaround initiatives
• Commercial decision-making
• Executive leadership and stakeholder engagement

This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-potential CA(SA) who wants to move away from traditional finance and become a true operational leader within a challenging and rewarding retail environment.