SUMMARY:
Head of Finance – Mining Industry
(Middelburg/Witbank, South Africa)
Job Overview
We are recruiting a Head of Finance for a leading company in the mining industry, based in Middelburg/Witbank. This is a senior strategic role overseeing all financial operations, planning, and compliance for the business. The Head of Finance will partner with executive and operational teams to drive financial excellence, improve cost efficiencies, and support data-driven decision-making. The role involves full management of financial planning, strategy development, investment assessment, budgeting, reporting, and analysis to ensure the company’s finances are optimally utilized. In the mining sector, effective financial leadership requires balancing complex operations with rigorous cost control and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate is a driven, energetic, and task-focused individual who can work independently and collaboratively to elevate the company’s financial performance.
POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Provide overall financial direction and leadership to the organization. Oversee all finance and accounting functions (including treasury, budgeting, reporting, debtors/creditors, assets, and payroll) to ensure robust financial control and governance. Act as a business partner to site and executive leadership, contributing to strategy and operational decisions.
- Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes, including long-term financial planning (e.g. 3-year business plans). Analyze financial reports and data to assess performance, identify trends, and guide data-driven decision-making for improved profitability and growth. Prepare and present monthly and quarterly financial results, insights, and recommendations to senior management and the board
- Cost Control & Efficiency: Identify opportunities to improve financial efficiencies and reduce costs across mining operations. Implement and monitor rigorous cost control measures, optimizing resource allocation without compromising operational effectiveness. Leverage analytics and financial modeling to drive efficiency improvements in line with industry best practices.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure full compliance with financial regulations (IFRS and local GAAP), tax laws, and company policies. Oversee external audits, preparation of Annual Financial Statements, and timely statutory reporting. Uphold the highest standards of governance, ethics, and integrity in all financial dealings. Enforce the company’s financial controls and risk management framework, including compliance with the company’s lie detector (polygraph) policy, anti-fraud measures, and internal audit recommendations.
- Systems & Technology: Maintain and enhance financial systems and processes. Drive modernization initiatives such as ERP system upgrades or implementations to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency. Champion the adoption of new technologies, including AI-driven financial tools, to automate processes and improve real-time financial analysis (reflecting modern trends where 72% of finance leaders use AI in operations). Ensure high data integrity and leverage business intelligence for strategic insights.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team (including accounting and payroll staff). Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department. Set clear performance goals and provide coaching to build a high-performing finance team capable of supporting a growing business.
- Strategic Partnering: Work closely with other departments (operations, procurement, etc.) to provide financial guidance on projects, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives. Evaluate investment opportunities and projects with thorough financial analysis to support sound business decisions. Act as a key advisor to the CEO/Managing Director on financial matters, contributing to strategic planning and execution.
- Performance Monitoring: Establish KPIs and financial metrics to monitor the company’s performance. Drive data-driven performance management, including variance analysis (actual vs. budget), and implement corrective actions where needed. Prepare insightful management reports that highlight financial and operational performance, ensuring management has the information needed for timely decisions.
- Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of industry trends (mining sector dynamics, commodity price impacts, etc.) and proactively adapt financial strategies accordingly.
Continuously seek to improve the finance function’s effectiveness, whether through process streamlining, training, or adopting best practices in financial management.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: A relevant finance qualification is required. Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) designation preferred, or CIMA or BCompt (or equivalent degree in Accounting/Finance) with strong academic credentials. Postgraduate qualification (MBA or similar) is an added advantage.
- Experience: 5–10 years of post-qualification experience in finance and accounting roles, with a track record of progressive responsibility. At least several years in a senior finance leadership position (Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or Head of
Finance). Mining industry experience (or related sectors like manufacturing/heavy industry) is highly advantageous, given the operational complexity and scale of mining finance.
- Technical Skills: High proficiency in financial management and accounting principles (IFRS knowledge required). Strong grasp of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting. Experience in overseeing audits, tax compliance, and statutory
reporting. Familiarity with cost accounting and managing finances in a project-based or operational environment is important.
- Systems Proficiency: Excellent computer skills, including advanced MS Excel and financial modeling abilities. Hands-on experience with accounting and ERP systems
(e.g., SAP, Sage, Oracle, or similar) is required. Comfort with data analysis tools or BI software is beneficial. A demonstrated willingness to learn and implement emerging financial technologies (such as AI-driven analytics or automation tools) will be a strong plus.
- Licenses: Registered CA(SA) status (if applicable) and professional membership in good standing. Valid driver’s license is required; own transport is advantageous for commuting and site visits.
- Background: Must have a clean criminal record and no adverse credit or media references (due diligence and background checks will be conducted). Candidates should be willing to undergo integrity assessments in line with company policies
(including polygraph tests) to ensure a high level of trust and accountability.
Skills & Competencies
Leadership & Management: Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage teams effectively. Capable of setting a vision for the finance function and executing plans to achieve it. Strong people management experience (5+ years leading teams), including coaching and developing staff.
- Strategic Thinking: High-level strategic and analytical thinking ability. Able to see the “big picture” and align financial strategy with business goals. Competent in evaluating complex financial scenarios and providing clear strategic recommendations to leadership.
- Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills. Able to convey financial information and insights to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, compelling manner. Fluent in English (written and verbal); able to draft high-quality reports and present at executive and board level.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving competencies. Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, yet able to interpret data in a broader business context. Data-driven decision-making mindset – comfortable using data and analytics to drive decisions and measure success.
- Technical & IT Aptitude: Tech-savvy with the ability to quickly learn and leverage new software and tools. Adept at using ERP systems and financial software. Knowledge of how to implement or work with AI-powered financial tools or automation will be beneficial as the company modernizes its finance operations. High proficiency in general office software and the ability to adapt to digital workflows.
- Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of financial management in a corporate environment, including cash flow management, capital structure, and return on investment principles. Ability to perform advanced financial analysis (NPV, IRR, scenario analysis) for project evaluations. Strong grasp of risk management in finance, including hedging, insurance, and internal controls relevant to the mining sector.
- Compliance & Ethics: Well-versed in corporate governance and ethical standards. Committed to upholding integrity, confidentiality, and transparency in all financial activities. Familiar with compliance requirements specific to mining (royalties, environmental financial provisions, etc.) and ensuring the finance function adheres to all regulatory obligations.
Personal Attributes
- Driven & Proactive: A highly driven and energetic individual with a strong work ethic. Self-motivated and task-focused, capable of taking initiative and driving projects to completion with minimal supervision.
- High Performance Mindset: Thrives in a high-performance, high-reward environment. Shows ambition and the potential to grow within the company (a high-potential individual who could take on greater responsibilities over time). Committed to continuous personal and professional development.
- Adaptable & Resilient: Resilient under pressure and able to maintain composure during challenging periods (e.g. tight deadlines, audits, or fluctuating market conditions). Adapts quickly to changes, and willing to work extended hours or weekends when necessary to meet critical deadlines or business needs.
- Independent & Collaborative: Capable of working independently with confidence, making sound decisions and judgements. Equally a team player who can collaborate effectively across departments and with diverse teams (finance, operations, executive leadership). Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across the organization.
Integrity & Loyalty: Unquestionable integrity, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct. Demonstrates loyalty and commitment to the organization’s success. Able to handle sensitive information with discretion. Willing to comply with all company policies, including those related to security and honesty (e.g. willing to undergo lie detector tests as needed).
- Organized & Detail-Oriented: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and projects. Detail-oriented in financial work, ensuring accuracy and quality, while also able to meet deadlines consistently. Shows a systematic approach to problem-solving and a focus on process improvement.
Other Requirements
- Location: Preference for candidates based in the Middelburg or Witbank area (Mpumalanga province) for proximity to operations. Candidates from other regions will be considered based on best fit, but willingness to relocate or travel frequently to the Middelburg/Witbank area is required.
- Travel: Must be willing to travel to various operational sites or meetings as needed. While the primary base is in Middelburg/Witbank, occasional travel to Johannesburg or other regions (and potentially internationally for training or meetings) may be required.
- Hours: Flexibility to work extended hours or occasional weekends during peak periods (e.g. financial year-end, audits, major project deadlines) is expected in this senior role. The candidate should be dedicated and available to fulfill the demands of the position when the business requires.
- Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license is required for local travel between sites/offices. Own transport is an advantage, though company transport or allowances may be provided for business travel.
- Background Checks: Employment is contingent on satisfactory results from comprehensive background checks. This includes verification of qualifications and professional memberships, a clear criminal record, and checks for any adverse media exposure or reputational risks. Candidates must also agree to comply with the company’s integrity protocols, which may include polygraph (lie detector) testing in line with company policy.
- Health & Safety: The mining industry places a strong emphasis on safety and health. The Head of Finance must be willing to adhere to all company health, safety, and environmental policies. While this is a finance role, leading by example in compliance and safety behavior on-site or in the office is expected.
Remuneration
Salary: A competitive market-related salary package will be offered, aligned with the seniority of the role and industry standards for South Africa’s mining sector. The remuneration will include a base salary and may include benefits such as medical aid, pension, and a performance-based bonus or incentive scheme. The exact package will depend on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, but it is designed to reward high performance and drive excellence.
Benefits & Growth: Beyond the salary, the successful candidate will join a high-performance, high-reward environment with significant opportunities for growth. The company is committed to developing its leaders, and the Head of Finance will have the chance to influence company strategy and potentially advance to even more senior roles as the business grows. This role promises not only
