Overview

Position: Group Chief Finance Officer

Reporting to: Group Chief Executive Officer

 

Purpose of the Job:

The CFO role plays a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy and growth of the Group. The role is responsible for leading the finance function, overseeing all aspects of financial planning, analysis, reporting, and compliance. Additionally, the role is instrumental in spearheading funding initiatives to fuel the Group’s ambitious growth plans. The CFO will work closely with the CEO, board of directors, and other senior executives to achieve the group’s financial and strategic goals.

 

Key Result Areas

  1. Financial Strategy and Planning
  • Develop and implement the long-term financial strategy for the Group, aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Lead the development of annual budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Oversee financial risk management, identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.
  • Partner with business unit leaders to provide financial guidance and support strategic decision-making.

 

  1. Financial Management and Reporting
  • Provide insight and analysis to support the CEO and other members of senior management.
  • Representing the group’s progress in financial performance and strategic goals to external stakeholders.
  • Ensure business decisions are based on sound financial criteria.
  • Manage financial reporting processes, including the preparation of financial statements, management reports, and regulatory filings.
  • Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
  • Ensure accurate, timely and compliant financial reporting to the board and stakeholders.
  • Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to support informed decision-making by management.

 

  1. Funding, Capital Management, and Investment
  • Lead the development and execution of funding strategies to secure capital for growth initiatives across the Group.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, investment banks, and other financial institutions.
  • Manage the capital raising process, including preparing financial models, presentations, and due diligence materials.
  • Manage capital structure and funding requirements.
  • Oversee investor communications and ensure transparency in financial reporting.
  • Manage the group’s debt portfolio, including borrowing, refinancing, and repaying debt.
  • Ensure capital structure optimization through optimal balance of debt and equity to minimize the cost of capital and enhance shareholder value.
  • Oversee investment strategies and evaluate potential mergers and acquisitions.
  • Develop and implement investment strategies to optimize the return on surplus cash.
  • Oversee the management of the group’s investment portfolio, ensuring compliance with the investment policy.

 

  1. Cash Management
  • Ensure the group maintains adequate liquidity to meet its short-term and long-term obligations.
  • Cash flow forecasting to develop and maintain accurate cash flow forecasts to predict cash needs and optimize cash reserves.
  • Oversee daily cash operations, including cash positioning, transfers, and reconciliations.

 

  1. Finance Operations Management, Technology & Systems
  • Oversee all aspects of the accounting function, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to accounting standards.
  • Implement and oversee robust financial controls and procedures.
  • Ensure the integrity of financial data and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
  • Oversee the implementation and management of financial systems and software.
  • Drive the adoption of technology to enhance financial reporting and analysis.
  • Supervise finance and accounting departments across all subsidiaries.
  • Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure compliance.
  • Lead the development and implementation of financial systems and processes to support scalability and growth.
  • Monitor and analyse financial performance across all business units, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
  • Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards financial goals.

 

  1. Risk Management
  • Identify and manage financial risks, including credit, market, interests, foreign exchange operational, and liquidity risks amongst others.
  • Develop risk management/mitigation frameworks and ensure effective internal control environment.
  • Oversee insurance and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.

 

  1. Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance
  • Ensure compliance with local, national, and international financial regulations and standards.
  • Maintain relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Oversee tax planning and compliance across all group business areas.

 

  1. Stakeholder Engagement
  • Communicate financial performance and strategy to investors, analysts, and other stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with banks, financial institutions, and other key partners.
  • Represent the group in financial discussions and negotiations.

 

  1. Leadership and Development
  • Provide strong leadership and direction to the finance team, fostering a culture of professionalism and excellence.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain top talent within the finance function.
  • Build strong relationships across the organization, collaborating effectively with other departments.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop finance teams across the group.
  • Foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement within the finance function.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the board on financial matters.

 

Person Specification

  • Minimum a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
  • Chartered Accountant or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including experience as a CFO or similar role within a large, high growth or complex organization or a group of companies.
  • Mature individual with high ethical standards and integrity.
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of corporate finance, accounting principles, and financial regulations.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
  • Strong business acumen and understanding of the industry.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Collaborative and able to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing financial strategies for complex organizations.
  • Strong understanding of financial modelling, valuation, and capital raising techniques.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
  • Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability and the ability to build and motivate a high-performing team.
  • Familiarity with the agricultural, real estate/ infrastructure, and logistics industries (a plus).

 

Candidates that meet the above job and person specification can express interest by sending their cv in word format to [email protected] no later than Wednesday the 9th of October 2024