SUMMARY:
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Mining Industry
Location: Middelburg or Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Managing Director
Role Overview
Our client, a company in the mining industry, is seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic financial leadership and operational management. The CFO will drive financial efficiency, ensure robust fiscal governance, and contribute as a key member of the executive team. Based in the Middelburg/Witbank area, the CFO will preferably be a local candidate (though final selection is based on best fit) and is expected to be an energetic, results-driven leader.
This role offers a high-performance environment with high-reward potential, ideal for a hands-on professional eager to grow with the organization and adapt to technological advancements (including AI-driven changes in finance).
POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company’s business goals and mining project plans. Provide insights and recommendations to the CEO and Board for strategic decision-making and long-term growth.
- Financial Operations Management: Oversee all financial operations – including accounting, financial planning & analysis, budgeting, treasury, and cost control – ensuring they are run efficiently and effectively. Drive initiatives to improve financial processes, optimize costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Financial Reporting & Compliance: Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual statements) in compliance with IFRS/GAAP and relevant regulatory requirements. Maintain strong internal controls and uphold corporate governance standards, with no tolerance for financial misstatement or irregularities.
- Risk Management: Identify and manage financial risks (operational, market, credit, and compliance risks) pertinent to the mining sector. Implement risk mitigation strategies, insurance coverage, and internal audit processes to safeguard the company’s assets and reputation.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts. Monitor financial performance against budget, analyze variances, and advise on corrective actions to meet financial targets. Ensure effective cash flow management and oversee capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning for mining operations.
- Funding and Treasury: Manage the company’s capital structure and funding requirements. Oversee treasury functions including cash management, financing arrangements, and relationships with banks/investors. Evaluate investment opportunities and financing options to support expansion or new projects.
- Team Leadership & Development: Provide strong leadership to the finance and accounting team. Mentor and develop finance staff, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Ensure the finance team is cohesive and capable, with clear succession planning and skills development.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (operations, engineering, procurement, etc.) to provide financial insights on mining projects and operational initiatives. Support project evaluations with financial analysis (e.g. ROI, cost-benefit analysis) and promote collaborative decision-making across the executive team.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including auditors, regulatory authorities, shareholders, and joint venture partners. Represent the company’s financial position to external parties and ensure stakeholder confidence in the financial management of the organization.
- Technology and Innovation: Champion the adoption of new financial technologies and systems. Leverage computer proficiency to improve reporting and analysis (advanced Excel modeling, BI tools) and explore the integration of AI-driven financial tools or automation to enhance efficiency. (Experience with Sage Pastel or similar accounting software is advantageous for streamlining accounting processes.)
- Hands-on Approach: Be willing to “roll up your sleeves” when necessary – whether that means diving into detailed financial reconciliations or stepping in to support the team on critical tasks. The CFO is expected to be adaptable and not above handling operational-level work to ensure deadlines are met and standards are maintained.
The above responsibilities are indicative and may evolve as the company grows. The CFO will be expected to take on additional duties in line with strategic needs and industry dynamics.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education & Certification: Chartered Accountant CA(SA) qualification (or international equivalent such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA). A relevant Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting is required; a postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA or Master’s in Finance) would be an added advantage.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience in finance or accounting roles, with substantial time in senior management/executive positions. Prior experience as a CFO, Finance Director, or senior financial manager in a high-performance environment is preferred.
- Industry Knowledge: Experience in the mining industry or related heavy industrial/engineering sectors is highly advantageous. Candidates should understand the financial nuances of mining operations, such as project-based financing, commodity price impacts, and regulatory compliance in mining.
- Financial Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial management, including financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and forecasting at a corporate level. Proven track record of driving financial efficiency and improving profitability/cost control in previous roles.
- Regulatory & Compliance: Strong knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS/GAAP) and exposure to audits, tax, and regulatory reporting requirements. Familiarity with South African financial regulations and B-BBEE compliance in a corporate setting will be beneficial.
- Technical Skills: High proficiency in computer and financial systems. Advanced skills in MS Office (especially Excel) and experience with financial ERPs or accounting software are required. Experience with Sage Pastel (or a similar accounting package) is an advantage. The candidate should be comfortable using modern finance tools and proactively learning new software or systems (including AI-enabled platforms) as the finance function evolves.
Skills and Competencies
- Leadership & Management: Exceptional leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and manage teams. Strong management skills to direct the finance department and cross-functional teams, setting clear objectives and holding people accountable.
- Strategic Thinking: High-level strategic mindset with business acumen. Able to align the finance strategy with the company’s overall objectives and adapt plans in response to changing market or operational conditions.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail. Capable of interpreting complex financial data, identifying trends or issues, and formulating actionable solutions. Task-focused approach to solving problems and optimizing processes.
- Communication: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Able to clearly articulate financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders (e.g., present reports to the Board or explain budgets to operations managers). Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities when dealing with banks, investors, and partners.
- Technological Proficiency: Tech-savvy with a willingness to embrace AI-driven changes and other innovations in the finance field. Adept at using financial software and eager to implement automation or data analytics tools to improve decision-making and efficiency.
- Adaptability: Flexible and hands-on, with the ability to work at both strategic and detailed operational levels. Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively in teams. Adaptable to the dynamic needs of the mining industry, including handling unexpected challenges or opportunities.
- Time Management: Superior time management and organizational skills. Able to juggle multiple priorities, handle pressure, and consistently meet tight deadlines – especially during peak reporting periods or when closing deals/projects.
Personal Attributes
- Integrity and Trustworthiness: Possesses a trustworthy personality with uncompromising ethics. Demonstrates honesty, transparency, and reliability in all dealings, ensuring confidence from the executive team and stakeholders.
- Drive and Energy: Highly energetic and driven, with a genuine passion for excellence in financial management. Results-oriented and self-motivated, continually seeking ways to achieve better outcomes and exceed targets.
- Resilience: Able to perform under high-pressure conditions typical of a fast-paced, high-stakes industry. Maintains composure and effectiveness when facing deadlines, operational crises, or significant business decisions.
- Loyalty and Commitment: Exhibits loyalty and commitment to the organization’s success. Looking to build a long-term career with the company, growing with the organization and taking on new challenges as the business evolves.
- Collaboration: A team player with a positive attitude. Capable of building strong working relationships across all levels of the company, from site managers at the mines to fellow executives. Equally effective when working independently or as part of a team, with a collegial approach that fosters trust and cooperation.
- Attention to Detail: Diligent and detail-oriented, especially when it comes to financial accuracy and compliance. Ensures that all work (from financial reports to strategic plans) is thorough and of high quality.
Additional Requirements
- Background Check: No criminal record and no history of adverse media exposure. Candidates must have a clean personal and professional record – background checks (criminal, credit, and reference verifications) will be conducted.
- Polygraph Policy: Willingness to comply with the company’s lie detector (polygraph) testing policy. The selected candidate must consent to and pass periodic polygraph tests as required by company policy.
- Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license is mandatory. Own transport is advantageous for easy travel to the mines and between company sites in the region.
- Travel & Hours: Willingness to travel as needed and spend time on-site at mining operations. Must be prepared to work extended hours, including evenings or weekends when necessary, to meet reporting deadlines or attend to urgent business needs.
- South African Compliance: (If not already implied) South African citizenship or legal eligibility to work in South Africa is required, given local regulatory and operational considerations.
Work Environment and Rewards
- High-Performance Culture: The company fosters a high-performance culture that rewards excellence. The CFO will join a driven executive team where exceptional results and improvements are recognized. This role comes with high reward potential in the form of performance-based bonuses and career growth opportunities for delivering strong outcomes.
- Growth Opportunity: This position offers the opportunity to be a key architect of the company’s success in the mining sector. The CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the organization and will have the chance to grow with the company as it expands.
- Innovation & Support: Our client is forward-thinking, embracing new technologies and process improvements. The CFO will have support to introduce innovations (including AI and automation) in the finance function, driving modernization and efficiency. The organization values continuous learning and will support the CFO in professional development and staying ahead of industry trends.
- Dynamic Industry Exposure: Working in the mining industry, the CFO will be exposed to a challenging and exciting environment – from the operational realities of mining sites to high-level strategic negotiations. This role will be both demanding and rewarding, offering the satisfaction of tangible results and contributions to a vital industry.
Based on current market data, the salary range for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the South African mining industry is as follows:
- Base Salary: Between R1,300,000 and R3,300,000 per annum, depending on experience, company size, and location.
- Total Compensation: Including bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives, total annual compensation can range from R1,500,000 to R4,000,000.
