Finance Director (SA) - 16511

Role: Financial Director Location: South Africa About the Company: Our client is a long-term investment and operating group that acquires established businesses and supports them through operational improvement, leadership development, and strategic growth. They take a hands-on, values-driven approach to building strong, enduring companies rather than focusing on short-term exits. The organisation is currently assembling a high-performing leadership team for a large agribusiness undergoing divestment and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role and help shape the future direction of a major industry player. About the Role: We are seeking a Financial Director with 10+ years of experience in finance/accounting within a midsize company, having ideally managed the finances for a R500 Million+ Rand business. This role involves overseeing all fiscal health, strategic financial planning, risk management, and ensuring regulatory compliance, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in Agribusiness or food service. The Director's core responsibility is to maximise profitability and secure sustainable financial growth by executing strategic financial decisions related to cyclical farming operations, commodity prices, and capital expenditure. Key Responsibilities: ● Agricultural/Agribusiness Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of the financial cycles, risks, and working capital needs unique to farming operations, including inventory valuation (e.g., crops/livestock), biological asset accounting, and managing production costs (fertiliser, feed, fuel) against commodity prices. ● Expertise in SA Tax and Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of South African tax laws (SARS), including VAT, corporate tax, and specific agricultural incentives or tax breaks, as well as compliance with local regulations pertaining to land ownership and water rights. ● Managing Currency and Commodity Price Volatility: Proven ability to implement sophisticated risk management and hedging strategies (e.g., forward contracts, derivatives) to mitigate the impact of fluctuating commodity prices and the volatile Rand (ZAR) exchange rate on imports (machinery/inputs) and exports. ● Experience with Funding and Land Capital: Experience securing and managing finance from South African institutions (e.g., Land Bank, commercial banks), specifically dealing with long-term capital expenditure on farm machinery and land acquisition, and structuring debt specific to agricultural assets.. ● Subsidies, Grants, and BEE Compliance: Familiarity with accessing and ensuring compliance for South African government grants, subsidies, or relief funding available to the agricultural sector, and strategic financial planning around Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements. Qualifications: Required ● Minimum 10 years of experience in an accounting or finance role in a midsize company (or Similar Role). ● Minimum of 5 years of experience with turnaround experience. ● Has served as a Financial Director, controller or CFO of at least a 500 Million + Rand business. ● 3-5 years of experience in the Grubbiness, grocery or food services.