A leading provider of value-added products and solutions to the South African automotive industry. With more than 20 years of industry experience, the business is committed to delivering innovative and customer focused products. Based in Edenvale, Johannesburg, is seeking to appoint an experienced and commercially minded Financial Director to provide strategic financial leadership and contribute to the continued success of the business.

The Finance Director is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for providing strategic financial leadership, governance oversight, and commercial insight to support the sustainable growth and profitability. The role partners closely with the Managing Director, Executive Team and Board to drive financial performance, optimise business outcomes, ensure regulatory compliance, and enable informed decision-making through robust financial reporting, planning, analysis and risk management.

The Finance Director leads the finance function, develops high-performing teams, and ensures the effective stewardship of company assets while supporting the achievement of the organisation's strategic objectives.

The Financial Director reports to the Managing Director and oversees three direct reports.

 

DUTIES/ KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement the division's financial strategy to support the overall business strategy and corporate objectives.

• Partner with the Managing Director, Executive Team, and Board of Directors to provide financial leadership, strategic advice, and commercial insight.

• Support the evaluation and execution of strategic initiatives, business growth opportunities, acquisitions, and major projects.

• Participate in Board, Executive, Insurance Fund, and other governance committees as required.

• Champion projects with broad organisational impact by aligning and influencing key stakeholders across the business.

• Promote financial discipline, accountability, and sound decision-making throughout the organisation.

Financial Management, Reporting and Analysis

• Maintain overall responsibility for the finance function and the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of accounting records across all operating entities.

• Ensure the preparation and delivery of accurate, timely, and meaningful financial reporting, including monthly management accounts, quarterly board packs, annual financial statements, and regulatory reporting.

• Prepare and review consolidated financial reports and provide insightful commentary, recommendations, and analysis to management and the Board.

• Develop, monitor, and enhance key financial and operational performance indicators.

• Analyse financial information to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and  IFRS and other relevant reporting requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Commercial Performance

• Lead finance technology and process improvements that improve efficiency and reporting quality

• Ensure financial plans, budgets, and forecasts are aligned with strategic business objectives.

• Monitor financial performance against budgets and targets, providing recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

• Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure the financial soundness of the business.

• Provide financial modelling, analysis, and support for complex commercial decisions and business cases.

• Drive cost management initiatives while supporting sustainable business growth.

Governance, Risk, Compliance and Controls

• Act as the business Risk Champion, promoting a strong risk management culture and framework.

• Coordinate and oversee the actuarial function, ensuring actuarial outputs, product performance analyses, reserving requirements, IFRS reporting requirements, and recommendations are appropriately incorporated into financial reporting, business planning, risk management, and governance processes.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable South African financial, taxation, regulatory, and governance requirements.

• Identify, assess, and manage financial and operational risks to the business.

Business Partnering and Operational Support

• Engage with operational departments, Head Office Finance, actuaries, auditors, underwriters and other stakeholders to support business objectives and decision-making.

• Analyse insurance product and fund performance and provide financial insights and recommendations.

• Oversee finance-related projects and collaborate with business, software development, and IT teams to implement financial system improvements.

• Review and approve financial transactions within delegated authority levels, including payroll, refunds, credit notes, debtor and creditor payments.

• Provide financial leadership and support to operational and finance teams across the business as well as to external partners where required

People Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to create a high-performing and engaged culture.

• Oversee talent development, succession planning, training, and ongoing professional development within the finance function.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

·        Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within a comparable organisation.

·        Strong operational finance experience, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial controls, and risk management.

·        Demonstrated people leadership and management experience, with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate high-performing teams.

·        Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide meaningful business insights.

·        Critical thinker with a naturally inquisitive mindset and strong attention to detail.

·        Commercially astute with an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities and driving business performance.

·        Strong focus on risk management, internal controls, and the safeguarding of business assets.

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at board, executive, and operational levels.

·        Ability to manage competing priorities.

·        Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced business environment.

·        Demonstrates initiative, innovation and ownership.

·        Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to lead and manage change effectively.

·        Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

·        Experience within the insurance, financial services, or motor industry

EDUCATION

·        Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)).

·        Minimum of 10 years' post-articles experience in senior finance roles, preferably gained in the financial services sector.

·        Experience in financial risk management within the insurance sector.

·        experience in corporate governance, policy development, financial controls, and regulatory compliance.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

·        Clear criminal and credit records that meet the Company's fit and proper requirements.

·        Demonstrate behaviour that consistently reflects and upholds the Company's values and culture.

·        Commit to continuous professional development through participation in training and development initiatives to enhance performance, knowledge, and skills.

·        Maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all business activities.