Chief Financial Officer, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

A well-established, nationally operating business in the industrial services / manufacturing sector is seeking a commercially strong Chief Financial Officer to join its executive team.

This is a high-impact role suited to a hands-on executive who can lead finance, reporting, operational performance, and business integration across a multi-site, asset-based environment.

Key Responsibilities Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO, Board, shareholders, and banks as a key strategic advisor
• Drive overall group strategy and performance management initiatives
• Act as a central point of coordination across Finance, IT, HR, Payroll, and Sales

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Lead the preparation of Annual Financial Statements and group audits
• Deliver accurate, timely reporting to executives, board, shareholders, and financial institutions
• Implement enhanced reporting frameworks including:
  • Consolidated financial reporting
  • Budget vs actual tracking
  • KPI and performance dashboards

Operational & Commercial Finance

• Drive profitability through improved cost control and operational efficiency
• Analyse customer portfolios and contract profitability
• Implement non-financial metrics to monitor operational performance
• Support pricing, tenders, and commercial decision-making

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Strengthen cash flow forecasting and monitoring processes
• Manage banking relationships and funding structures
• Optimise working capital across a complex, multi-site operation

Systems, Processes & Efficiency

• Implement and enforce company policies and procedures to ensure governance and consistency
• Improve reporting accuracy through systems and data enhancements
• Drive automation and system improvements across finance and operations
• Lead implementation of workforce and operational systems (e.g. time and attendance tools)

People Leadership & Workforce Optimisation

• Oversee finance, HR, IT, and payroll functions
• Improve workforce efficiency across a large employee base (500+ staff)
• Drive staff cost analysis, reporting, and control mechanisms
• Support training, development, and performance management initiatives

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IFRS, tax regulations, and statutory requirements
• Maintain strong internal controls and audit processes
• Ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory frameworks

Requirements

• CA(SA) (essential)
• 10+ years' experience in senior financial leadership roles
• Proven experience in multi-site, operational, or asset-based environments
• Strong background in reporting, controls, and operational finance
• Experience managing large workforce cost structures
• Demonstrated success in improving EBITDA, reporting quality, and efficiencies

Key Competencies

• Highly commercial and operationally hands-on
• Strong leadership across cross-functional teams
• Strategic thinker with execution focus
• Advanced analytical and reporting capability
• High levels of integrity and governance

Suitable applications to be emailed to