Chief Financial Officer (Remote - Preferably residing in Johannesburg / Cape Town / Bloemfontein)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Excellent career opportunity for a CFO within the education sector to ensure the financial integrity, liquidity and capital discipline of the company

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements: Professional qualification: CA(SA) 8 - 12 Years' experience in a financial management role: education sector exposure advantageous but not essential A commercial track record beyond accounting or audit Demonstrated multi-entity consolidation and ownership of an external audit Demonstrated cash and working-capital management in a constrained, turnaround or high-growth-strain setting Demonstrated financial modelling, budgeting, and reforecasting owned personally Demonstrated hands-on leadership of a lean Finance team Willing to commute to Head Office regularly and occasional travel to campuses across the country Preference for Johannesburg, Bloemfontein or Cape Town -based candidates Responsibilities: Lead the Finance Department and ensure efficient financial operations of all business units in the portfolio Oversee accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, audit, payroll, billing, and financial compliance in accordance with financial operational requirements Manage and oversee the financial consolidation process across all business units Present financial statements that are accurate, complete, and timely, in full compliance with IFRS and applicable South African regulatory requirements Ensure robust internal controls and risk management practices are implemented and standardised across the Group Provide oversight and recommendations in terms of capital raising requirements Contribute to assessing the financial viability of potential mergers and acquisitions Responsible for reporting to Exco and the Board on the financial activities of the business Translate strategic initiatives into financial models and execution plans Support the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer in: Growth planning, new school rollouts\/expansion and pricing and revenue strategies Develop financial models to support decision-making, expansion, and scenario planning Conduct ratio analysis to provide more comprehensive financial oversight and support informed decision-making Analyse profitability, cost structures, and operational efficiencies across business units Present and provide clear financial insights to guide decision-making of the Executive team and Board Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports, including variance analysis and performance dashboards on both a division basis and a consolidated basis Translate strategic initiatives into financial models and execution plans Support the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer in: Growth planning, new school rollouts\/expansion and pricing and revenue strategies Develop financial models to support decision-making, expansion, and scenario planning Conduct ratio analysis to provide more comprehensive financial oversight and support informed decision-making Analyse profitability, cost structures, and operational efficiencies across business units Present and provide clear financial insights to guide decision-making of the Executive team and Board Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports, including variance analysis and performance dashboards on both a division basis and a consolidated basis Own the 13-week rolling cash forecast at group and entity level, maintained weekly Own banking relationships, bank mandates, and the payment authorisation matrix Develop funding solutions for new projects and the expansion of existing schools Perform financial due diligence for new school acquisitions, greenfield developments, or partnerships Evaluate Capex requirements, cost projections, fee structures, and projected returns for new schools Assess affordability and sustainability of expansion plans using long term financial modelling and recommend the most optimal financing options Collaborate with other departments to ensure expansion decisions are aligned with strategic goals Ensure compliance with South African regulations and expected governance standards including tax\/return requirements Manage annual audits and liaise with external Auditors Implement processes to mitigate financial risk, including debt management, covenant monitoring, and insurance oversight Participate in any due diligence processes and close out finance related findings including updated finance policies, standard operating procedures and training Provide financial support and strategic insights to the Executive team and Board Communicate financial performance and key risks in a clear, accessible manner to non-financial Stakeholders Engage with potential Lenders and\/or Investors such as banks, funders, and financial institutions when required TO APPLY: Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV. 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