SUMMARY:
FET Lead
POSITION INFO:
About the Role Our client, a global leader in the consumer goods sector, is seeking a high-caliber Finance Lead to drive business performance, strategic planning, and financial management across their Southern African operations. Based in Durban, this pivotal leadership role involves overseen corporate management accounting, budgeting, and digital finance transformation within a diverse and fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Business Performance & Leadership: Drive financial targets through detailed analysis and interventions; provide strategic support for target setting and resource allocation. Financial Control & Reporting: Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes ensuring alignment with global financial control frameworks and reporting standards. Strategic Planning & Forecasting: Lead engagement with divisional teams to develop robust annual operating plans, financial forecasts, and performance monitoring models. Performance Management: Drive gross margin improvement and growth strategies, including pricing interventions and marketing investment optimization. Overheads Management: Oversee the end-to-end budget process, implementing zero-based budgeting (ZBB) principles and driving efficiency through standard operating procedures. Digital Transformation: Advance the finance digital agenda by leading simplification and automation initiatives, including RPA and cognitive capabilities. Team Leadership: Provide mentorship and development for finance team members while fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture. Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a strategic partner to senior executives, providing insights, board materials, and executive presentations to influence decision-making. Requirements Education: Bachelor's Degree in Finance plus a professional qualification (CA(SA), CIMA, or equivalent). Experience: 12-15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years of hands-on SAP experience. Technical Skills: Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP), Business Warehouse (BW), and advanced Microsoft Excel; strong analytical skills with the ability to simplify complex financial data. Sector Experience: Prior experience in head office and factory finance environments is highly advantageous. Leadership: Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders in a matrix environment and leading multi-geographical or multicultural teams. Attributes: High emotional intelligence, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to driving change management and process standardisation. Compliance: Must be eligible to work lawfully in South Africa. What's on Offer Competitive Market-Related Salary: Commensurate with experience and seniority. Global Exposure: Opportunity to work within a world-class finance function with international benchmarks and cross-border collaboration. Professional Growth: Access to global resources and support to shape a unique career journey. Inclusive Culture: Join an organisation that champions diversity, inclusion, and sustainable business practices. Stability: A permanent leadership position within a market-leading organisation.
