Job Opportunities

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key executive leadership role responsible for the overall financial health and strategic direction of the Association. As a member of the Board of Directors and a strategic finance business partner, the incumbent is responsible for planning and executing against the Association's strategy, with a view to protecting the Association's revenues, profits, and investments to ensure sustainable growth and good corporate governance. The CFO will develop metrics for the assessment and evaluation of the Association's financial performance and accurately report such to the Board. This role also requires the application of effective risk management through continuous monitoring of control systems designed to manage all risks and transactions. The incumbent will execute capital-raising strategies to support the expansion of the Association, deal with mergers and acquisitions, and oversee certain shared services for the AA group of companies, including legal compliance and internal legal advisory services.

Reporting Structure

Reports to:      Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Direct Reports:   Financial Manager, General Manager: Finance and Commercial Legal Advisor

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Planning:

• Plan and execute against the Association's strategy to ensure sustainable growth and profitability
• Utilise forward-looking models and activity-based analyses to provide insight and recommendations for both short-term and long-term growth plans
• Identify, develop, and execute analysis of business initiatives, product launches, and/or new service offerings
• Explore new investment opportunities and provide recommendations on potential returns and risks
• Provide the Board and executive team with relevant input, calculations, reports, or advice on mergers and acquisitions, including legal structures, valuations, capital raising), and other aspects
• Provide sound financial management advice to the Financial Manager and other senior Managers in terms of their responsibility and delegated authority

Financial Management, Accounting & Reporting:

• Manage the finance function to ensure effective and professional accounting, reporting, and control of funding and budgets
• Take effective and appropriate steps to prevent unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure
• Ensure proper management and safeguarding of the Association's assets and liabilities
• Oversee and lead the budgeting process and monitor the utilization of budgets within the Association
• Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly financial performance reports as well as quarterly and annual financial statements
• Ensure that reporting, controls and enterprise risk programs are operating and functioning as intended
• Support business leaders in achieving business goals and objectives through the use of advanced modelling and analysis to provide actionable intelligence, beyond data
• Review and analyse monthly financial results and provide recommendations
• Ensure that full and proper records of the financial affairs of the Association are kept, including the preparation of financial statements for each financial year
• Oversee cash, investments, and asset management

Risk Management & Corporate Governance:

• Develop, implement, and manage risk management structures and processes throughout the business, including group insurance management
• Ensure appropriate procurement systems are fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective
• Oversee and lead the development and monitoring of the implementation of policies and procedures in line with all applicable legislation and other relevant regulations (e.g., King Report on Governance) to ensure compliance and promote good corporate governance
• Remain current on best practices as well as legislation and the regulatory environment regarding company operations

People Management & Leadership:

• Manage and administer the performance management system for all direct reports
• Create an environment where staff is empowered and held accountable through policies, procedures, appropriate remuneration and incentive structures, and development programmes that have regard to employment equity and transformation initiatives
• Select and engage consultants and auditors. Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors and manage the preparation for and support of all external audits

Minimum Requirements:

Education

• CA (SA), an MBA or a CPA/CMA certification is highly preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in finance, strong leadership, analytical, and business acumen, with the ability to influence at the executive level
• Proven experience as a CFO, Finance Director, or in a senior commercial finance role
• Deep understanding of accounting standards, financial regulations, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role with corporate governance and external stakeholder responsibilities

Skills:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Deep understanding of financial principles, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency with financial software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems