Are you an experienced financial leader with a proven track record in managing significant physical assets and handling substantial debt burdens? Do you excel at establishing robust procedures and control frameworks from the ground up? If you are ready for a new challenge, an exciting opportunity awaits you!
Our esteemed client is a leading wind developer, renowned for their successful delivery of over 1.7 GW of renewable energy projects across Africa. They are recognized for their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and competitive pricing. Among their numerous community-directed efforts, they have deployed initiatives to address skills gaps, create or revive sustainable livelihoods, and tackle pressing issues like soil degradation. They allocate funds each year during project lifecycles and assign dedicated employees to fulfil these roles. Working closely with the community, they strive to achieve their goals.
As they embark on their venture into South Africa, they are thrilled to establish offices and assemble a new team. To support their expansion and ensure effective financial management, they are seeking a talented and experienced Financial Director to join their ranks. As the Financial Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial aspects of operations in South Africa. Your expertise in managing substantial physical assets, dealing with lenders, and navigating significant debt burdens will be instrumental in ensuring the organization's success.
In addition to managing financial responsibilities, you will serve as the primary point of contact for liaising with South African tax authorities and the Central Bank. Your proficiency in handling payments, receipts, and Exchange Controls will ensure compliance with regulations while optimizing financial operations.
While experience in the Renewable Energy industry is highly desirable for this role, a background in the Infrastructure or Construction industry is also valued. Expertise in managing large-scale projects will prove invaluable within the organization. An integral part of your responsibilities will involve establishing and nurturing a relationship with Eskom in relation to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), contributing to the growth and success of our projects.
As the Financial Director, you will be responsible for setting up a robust organization in terms of procedures and control frameworks. Your experience in successfully creating new controls and procedures from scratch will be pivotal in ensuring efficiency, compliance, and accurate financial reporting.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic organization and make a significant impact in the renewable energy landscape of South Africa and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, providing you with the chance to be at the forefront of driving sustainable energy solutions.
If you are ready to embrace this challenge and contribute to the growth of renewable energy in South Africa, apply now using the link below! We appreciate the time and effort invested in all applications, and we kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Education Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
- Professional qualification such as CA (SAICA) or equivalent
- A minimum of 12 years of experience in a financial managerial position
- A strong track record in managing complex financial portfolios and successfully leading financial teams
- Strong relationships with Lenders, Banks, Tax authorities and Stakeholders
- Experience in reporting to the Board
- Extensive experience in financial reporting, compliance, and taxation
- Proven track record of successful leadership in financial management, ideally within the renewable energy or infrastructure sector
- Responsible for all accounting, financial, tax matters, in addition to internal control, compliance, treasury and audits
- Responsible for setting up a solid organization in terms of procedures and control framework
- Leadership of the South African finance team, support for staff in their development
- Ensure robust internal control framework at all times with procedures up to date and well documented
- Compliance with local regulations and financial lending documentation (Tax authorities, labour law, Central bank rules, lender covenants and reporting)
- Ensure timely payment to suppliers and contractors based upon performance criteria
- Be the primary person liaising with the bank, the South African tax authorities and the Central Bank in respect of payments, receipts and exchange controls
- Manage an accounting system to accurately track performance against budget and covenants
- Responsible for all financial reporting for SA entity, SA holding companies and all South African wind farms including audited financial statements, lender compliance reporting through the CTAs, tax reporting, management reporting and group reporting
- Manage all tax matters with the relevant authorities and ensure full compliance
- Budget preparation and approval from board
- Manage the employee payroll and certain HR aspects
- Manage the relationship with financial lenders, primarily ABSA
- Establishment of a relationship with Eskom to ensure revenue invoices are settled in accordance with the PPAs
- Attendance at Finance & Risk Committee and Board meetings, responsible for addressing and follow up of financial reporting and control points
- Ad hoc finance responsibilities in support of the finance group and project company, as appropriate
- Financial leadership: Demonstrated experience as a financial leader, with a track record of managing significant physical assets and handling substantial debt burdens
- Strategic planning: Ability to develop and implement robust procedures and control frameworks from scratch, ensuring efficient financial operations and compliance
- Financial management: Expertise in managing substantial physical assets, dealing with lenders, and navigating significant debt burdens to ensure financial success and stability
- Regulatory compliance: Knowledge of South African tax regulations, Exchange Controls, and experience in liaising with tax authorities and the Central Bank
- Renewable energy industry knowledge: Ideally, experience in the renewable energy sector, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry
- Infrastructure/construction industry experience: Valuable background in the infrastructure or construction industry, with expertise in managing large-scale projects
- Stakeholder management: Ability to establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, such as Eskom, in relation to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and familiarity with Eskom processes and revenue invoicing
- Financial reporting: Strong skills in financial reporting, ensuring accurate and timely reporting for effective decision-making
- Organizational development: Experience in setting up robust procedures, control frameworks, and creating efficient systems from scratch
- Communication and leadership: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to lead and inspire a team and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking: ability to analyze complex financial data to drive informed decision-making
- Commitment to sustainability: Alignment with the organization's commitment to excellence, sustainability, and driving renewable energy solutions
- Previous project finance, and project reporting, experience preferable
- Diversity and ethical behaviour
- Computer skills MS Excel advanced, Sun or similar accounting systems and project accounting systems
