Project Developer - Financial Analyst - Project Development Unit

Industrial Development Corporation; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in South Africa seeks a Chartered Accountant with strong financial modelling skills to contribute to project development across sectors. You will build models, structure finances, and assist with funding arrangements and valuations.

The role emphasizes participation in all Project Development Life Cycle stages, risk mitigation, and preparing comprehensive funding reports for internal committees. A relevant business qualification is a plus.

Qualifications

• CA(SA) with at least 5–8 years in project development.
• Experience in financial structuring, modelling and project finance.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct financial feasibility assessments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare project financial models (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) in Excel.
• Contribute to optimal financial structuring using project finance principles.
• Assist with funding term sheets, co-funding and treasury inputs.
• Monitor projects to ensure alignment with budget and strategic objectives.

Skills

Financial modelling

Excel

Financial analysis

Education

CA(SA)

Business qualification beneficial

Tools

Excel

Job description

Synopsis

To participate in the identification and development of projects through the Project Development Life Cycle to achieve the IDC's strategic objectives and contribute to industry development goals.

This role requires a candidate with a Chartered Accountant qualification to primarily provide financial modelling, structuring and other financial contributions to projects already in development as well as those requiring on-boarding. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in projects across industrial sectors.

Experience in project finance and business valuations would be a strong advantage.
In addition to the relevant qualification, candidates will be required to have conducted financial feasibility assessments and evaluations of projects, as opposed to experience being limited to the preparation of financial statements and accounting and auditing.

Job Description

Financial / Shareholder Returns

• Prepare project financial models (including income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement) using Excel to evaluate project cash flows with a view to calculate project and shareholder returns.
• Providing inputs for optimal financial structuring of projects utilizing project finance principles and IDC's financing instruments.
• Providing inputs to term sheets and co-funding arrangements encompassing equity, debt or hybrid instruments.
• Ensure that all projects are structured in such a way to facilitate inclusive development and maximize IDC developmental and financial outcomes.

Internal / Operational Processes

• To participate in specific projects during the different phases of Project Development (idea generation, project scoping, pre-feasibility study, bankable feasibility study, financing and pre-implementation)
• To participate in the financial evaluation of projects at every Decision Gate of the Project Development Life Cycle.
• Proactive identification of project opportunities to build the pipeline.
• Assessment of external project applications.
• Ensure that projects are aligned with the strategic objectives of the unit and will contribute to meeting the Unit's objectives and project milestones.
• Identify risks (including during implementation) and defining mitigation plans to minimise these risks.
• Monitor and manage project development to ensure it is implemented according to plan and within budget.
• Quality control of projects, implemented correctly to contribute to SBU's strategic objectives and ensure clients meet financial obligations to IDC etc.
• Provide inputs and assist with the preparation of comprehensive funding reports to internal committees for decision making during the project development phases.
• Account Management functions relating to projects such as disbursements, clearing of conditions precedent, portfolio monitoring, etc.
• Review and provide inputs to project development legal agreements.
• Quarterly project valuations and impairment analysis applying IDC valuation policy (IMC).

Customer Focus & Stakeholder Management

• Building influential and sustainable relationships with strategic partners to assist the unit in achieving strategic objectives.
• Participating in project-specific steering committees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective networks to source business, build industry links and build IDC brand awareness.
• Effectively interacting with different internal Strategic Business Units and departments to fulfil the process requirements related to any specific project.
• Managing and enhancing the levels of service and communication to ensure the provision of client service excellence.

Learning, Leadership & People Growth

• Driving and managing own development to enhance own competencies

Qualification and Experience

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: CA(SA).
• An additional business qualification would be beneficial.

Selection Criteria

• 5-8 years related experience of which 3-4 years should be in Project development.
• 5-8 years experience using Excel.
• Previous experience in financial structuring and modelling for multiple development projects.
• Understanding and application of corporate finance and structuring processes.
• Understanding and application of project development, project management and project finance.
• Experience in interpretation and preparation of financial statements.
• Awareness of the market environment and technology landscape.
• Knowledge of financing instruments and commercial terms.
• Understand and review models of proposed financial structures.
• Knowledge of commercial and contract law with a focus on the Companies Act.
• Knowledge of taxation

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Competencies

• Financial Modelling Skills
• Financial Acumen
• Risk Identification And Mitigation
• Stakeholder Management And Customer Focus
• Report Writing Skills
• Excel Skills

Behavioural Competencies

• Presentation And Communication Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Relationship Building And Networking Skills
• Persuading And Influencing Skills
• Analytical Skills

IDC is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of the JDC and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but not limited to candidates from underrepresented designated groups.