Operational Finance Lead Renewable Energy & Infrastructure | Midrand, Gauteng

Network1; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Network1 is seeking an experienced Operational Finance Lead to drive financial performance, governance and strategic decision-making across its renewable energy and infrastructure portfolio in Africa. This is a high-impact leadership role for a CA(SA) who thrives in a dynamic project environment.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning across multiple entities and projects, partnering with executive teams to improve profitability and ensure IFRS

Qualifications

• CA(SA) qualification is essential.
• Minimum 6+ years post-articles experience.
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams.
• Experience in construction, infrastructure, engineering, or renewable energy.
• Advanced IFRS knowledge, with IFRS 15 exposure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational finance function across multiple entities and projects.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning processes.
• Partner with project and executive teams to deliver financial insights and improve project profitability.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, taxation, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee financial controls, reporting, working capital management, and asset management.
• Conduct detailed financial and project performance analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team.
• Drive process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function.

Skills

CA(SA) qualification

Cash flow forecasting

Project finance

Financial modelling

IFRS (IFRS 15)

Tax knowledge (SA)

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

CA(SA) qualification

Tools

BuildSmart ERP

Job description

Are you a commercially astute CA(SA) with a passion for renewable energy, infrastructure development, and operational excellence? An industry-leading organisation delivering large-scale renewable energy and construction projects across Africa is seeking an experienced Operational Finance Lead to drive financial performance, governance, and strategic decision-making across its growing portfolio. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a finance professional who thrives in a dynamic project-based environment and enjoys partnering with executive stakeholders to support business growth.

Minimum Requirements:

• CA(SA) qualification (essential)
• 6+ years post-articles experience
• Proven track record leading and developing finance teams
• Experience within construction, infrastructure, engineering, or renewable energy environments
• Strong expertise in cash flow forecasting, project finance, and financial modelling
• Advanced IFRS knowledge, with specific exposure to IFRS 15
• Solid understanding of South African tax legislation
• Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills

Advantageous:

• Exposure to multi-country operations across Africa and the Middle East
• Portuguese language proficiency
• Experience with BuildSmart or a similar project-based ERP system

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the operational finance function across multiple business entities and projects
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning processes
• Partner with project and executive teams to deliver financial insights and improve project profitability
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, taxation, and regulatory requirements
• Oversee financial controls, reporting, working capital management, and asset management
• Conduct detailed financial and project performance analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team
• Drive process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management capability
• Commercially minded with a strategic approach to finance
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment
• Strong attention to detail with exceptional organisational skills

If you are ready to play a key role in shaping the financial future of a growing renewable energy business, we'd love to hear from you.