Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Grade 22 (Total Cost to Company) 5 Year Fixed-Term Contract Jobs

Role Purpose

The Chief Financial Officer is a key member of the executive leadership team. You will oversee the financial strategy, planning, and operations of the organization. Your role is to ensure the Corporation’s financial health, drive profitability, optimize costs, manage risks, and support strategic growth. This position requires a strong understanding of ECDC’s major revenue streams, including property investment assets management, loan finance, commercial investments, capital investments, cost management, and regulatory compliance.

We are looking for a results-driven CFO who can build strategic business partnerships, especially for revenue-generating units. You will also support the Chief Executive Officer in managing the Corporation strategically. The minimum qualification is a commerce-based NQF level 9 qualification and/or CA(SA) or equivalent. You should have experience in driving financial turnarounds and managing a commercially oriented finance function for a medium-sized business.

Specific Responsibilities

Key performance indicators include the following, but are not limited to these:

Financial Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support the company’s business goals and long-term growth.
• Work with the CEO, executive team, and other leaders to define and execute strategic initiatives.
• Provide financial insights to guide decisions, improve profitability, and boost operational efficiency.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, aligning it with business objectives.
• Identify ways to optimize financial performance and apply best practices across all companies in the group.
• Implement and oversee financial systems, protocols, controls, and strategies.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead budgeting and forecasting across the group, ensuring clarity, alignment, and accuracy within set time frames.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and share actionable insights with the leadership team.
• Track key financial metrics, such as functional costs, gross margins, and profitability by product line.
• Analyze cost drivers and find opportunities to reduce costs.
• Evaluate capital investment projects to ensure they meet financial goals and ROI targets.
• Drive profitability by spotting inefficiencies and areas for improvement across the corporation.

Financial Operations and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting that complies with public sector accounting standards.
• Oversee accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Manage cash flow across the group to maintain liquidity and allocate resources effectively.
• Handle all tax and financial legislative requirements for the business.
• Provide oversight for working capital and capital allocation to support growth.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations for the group and its companies.
• Drive profitability and scalability across the ECDC group.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify and mitigate financial risks, such as currency fluctuations, interest rates, and market volatility.
• Develop, implement, and manage strategies and systems for key risks, including credit, audit, compliance, data security, business continuity, and liquidity risks.
• Oversee internal and external audits, addressing findings quickly.
• Build and maintain a strong internal control framework to protect company assets.
• Take full responsibility for financial administration, compliance, and strategy challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards, including PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and public sector reporting frameworks.

Cost and Revenue Management

• Monitor and control operating costs, including employment costs, functional expenses, and overheads.
• Collaborate with properties, infrastructure, and development finance teams to improve efficiency.
• Analyze cost variances and apply corrective actions to boost profitability.
• Oversee rental income, working with property management to recognize revenue on time.
• Work with the Enterprise Finance Unit to disburse and collect loans according to agreements, policies, and best practices.
• Maintain strong collection rates to meet profitability, cash flow, liquidity, and solvency goals.

Team Leadership and Development

• Oversee the entire Finance Department team.
• Build and lead a high-performing finance and supply chain team, promoting accountability and excellence.
• Provide mentorship and development opportunities for team members.
• Work across functions with operations and supply chain teams to align financial and operational goals.
• Build team capacity to grow with the business.

Strategic Growth Activities

• Evaluate growth opportunities and partnerships for business expansion.
• Lead due diligence and financial integration for acquisitions or disposals in the portfolio.
• Drive funding initiatives, such as equity, debt, or partnerships.
• Prepare reports and presentations for investors to build trust in financial performance and growth.

Technology and Systems Optimization

• Oversee selection, implementation, and optimization of financial software and ERP systems as needed.
• Drive digital transformation to improve financial and operational efficiency.
• Use data analytics tools to enhance decision-making and reporting.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Strategic Vision: Ability to align financial strategies with business goals.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills for complex financial data.
• Leadership and Team Building: Inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Communication Skills: Present financial insights clearly to stakeholders.
• Business Acumen: Deep knowledge of property investment, loans, operations, supply chains, and costs.
• Attention to Detail: High accuracy and commitment to financial integrity.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain relationships with subsidiaries, banks, investors, and partners.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• NQF level 9 qualification, such as a Master’s in Business Administration or Finance, or Chartered Accountant (SA) or equivalent.
• At least 10 years of finance experience, including 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep understanding of commercial operations and business financial turnaround.
• Strong ability to connect financial strategies to operational and strategic goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in financial planning, forecasting, and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of activity-based and standard costing methods.
• Advanced understanding of accounting principles and regulatory standards.
• Good knowledge of the South African legislative environment.
• Expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.

Key Deliverables

• Accurate and timely financial reports and analyses.
• Annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and performance variance reports.
• Cost reduction plans and strategies to optimize efficiency.
• Compliance with all financial and regulatory requirements.
• Development of long-term financial strategies and growth plans.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) website.