Agriculture jobs in South Africa

A large, integrated and well-established group in the agriculture sector is looking to employ an experienced, motivated and driven Chief Financial Officer. This group has interests across the country and this role will be situated in Paarl, Western Cape.

The ideal candidate must be a go-getter, who is able to function independently, as well as in a team, and will have the ability to implement systems and process improvements. There is a preference for a candidate who is operationally inclined and experience or exposure within FMCG, agriculture, citrus, processing, or production environment will be highly beneficial. A formal tertiary and professional qualification is required, and experience with ERP systems will be an added advantage.

This is an excellent opportunity for personal growth as well as growth within this fast expanding business.

This is a good opportunity for a candidate with a long-term oversight in a role where they can grow within the company, and their own skills and experience. It will fit someone that can think on their feet, enjoys system and procedure automation and is eager to learn and add value. This role will be a good fit for a candidate that likes to get involved in the numbers, but also the commercial and operational side of the business.

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Group financial function. The successful incumbent must shape the financial operations and provide strategic direction and focus to the Group and its subsidiaries for all financial aspects as outlined by the Board of Directors and Managing Director.

1. Drives cost efficiency initiatives to reduce expenses across the Group.
2. Work with the Group Financial Director to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization.
3. Ensure the Group budgeting processes are carried out and reviewed.
4. Take overall control of the Group’s accounting function.
5. Research funding sources and oversee the development of fund-raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization.
6. Prepare contingency plans and future strategies, to be proactive, to initiate continuous improvement projects.
7. Provide transformational leadership which continually raises the bar.
8. Work effectively with operational and business leaders to develop a shared vision and approach to the group.
9. Instill an attitude of continuous improvement and holds leaders accountable for ongoing incremental improvement.
10. Identify opportunities and drive actions that would allow performance to exceed the agreed plan, accelerate growth, improve margins, and drive down working capital needs.
11. Brings a pre-existing attitude that people are at the core of every business and every business’s success.
12. Drives a culture of people empowerment, while remaining embedded in the details.
13. Coach and mentor finance management team as appropriate to improve performance.
14. Ensure that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth.
15. Act as a system champion for all financial systems implemented in the organisation.
16. Perform ad hoc duties and tasks as assigned by the Managing Director and Board of Directors.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or similar.
2. CA(SA), and or MBA.
3. Minimum 10 years finance experience of which 5 years in the FMC, Agriculture, or related sector.
4. Minimum 5 years senior management position.
5. Ability to build credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders
6. High attention to detail
7. Organisational skills
8. Sound decision-making ability
9. Strategic planner
10. Skilled negotiator
11. Coaching for development of leadership teams
12. Ability to operate in an ever-changing environment
13. A change leader with a strong executive presence