Head of Finance: Chemicals at AECI Limited

Purpose of the job

• To partner with the VP: Chemicals in developing, monitoring, governing, and evaluating the overall Business Unit’s finance strategy, financial forecasting, budgets & consolidations, planning & analysis with a focus on bottom line financial and operational performance, while enhancing investor, shareholder & stakeholder value.
• To oversee financial management, management accounting, cost and plant accounting, procurement, working capital, budgeting, capex governance, and financial reporting.
• To ensure strong financial controls, compliance, operational efficiency, and decision support to enable sustainable profitability, cash generation, and business growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Initiate and drive the development of the Business Unit finance strategy and annual business planning cycles to support its execution across the businesses and translate it into tangible Finance strategies, initiatives, programmes, and solutions.
• Lead and direct all aspects of financial reporting and risk management including the financial strategy and oversight of the organisation’s financial management, management accounting, mergers & acquisitions, tax management, asset management, audit, treasury, and investor relations, to minimise financial risks and support organisational sustainability.
• Build organisational capability to support the development of financial competence that supports the business structure and shareholder value to deliver financial strategic objectives.
• Act as strategic advisor to VP Chemicals to provide expert financial advice and useful financial insights to help make the best decisions about executing our business strategy.
• Oversee the financial governance and performance management of Procurement and Supply Chain activities across the Business Unit.
• Lead through influence to ensure timeous compilation of accurate and reliable business unit financial statements (and external audits) in accordance with legislation and accepted accounting procedures.
• Present annual and interim financial reports to Exco and lead the annual external audit process.
• Oversee the maintenance of appropriate financial records, financial and statutory reports, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards.
• Ensure adequate review and monitoring of fixed and working capital, including ensuring useful life and physical verifications are done
• Co-ordinating, supervising, and reviewing goodwill and PPE impairment tests annually or when indicators become evident
• Drive integrated financial and operational reporting across procurement, inventory, logistics, and manufacturing operations.
• Provide integrated operational and financial performance reporting across the Business Unit.
• Manage the budgeting and forecasting process for the Business Unit for quarterly, annual, and 3-year budgets by developing appropriate guidelines, implementing financial remedial plans, and monitoring execution of proper reporting on budget and cash flow matters.
• Drive rolling forecasts, scenario modelling, and financial outlook reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• Direct, supervise, review, and coordinate the consolidated budgets for the Business Units, and report to the Exco on major financial concerns.
• Direct, supervise, review and co-ordinate the 3-year capex budget, including regular review and monitoring against actuals and business plans. Assessing projects against business cases is also key.
• Review and challenge supply chain and procurement cost structures, sourcing strategies, and inventory investment to improve cash flow and margin performance.
• Manage the recruitment of direct subordinates and foster a high-performance culture by leading and developing a large multidisciplinary team of seasoned finance professionals to support the achievement of the Business Unit’s overall goals and objectives.
• Establish a culture of ethics and integrity in all decision making/reporting processes throughout the business

Qualifications and Experience

• Registered member of SAICA: CA (SA) or CIMA
• Minimum: Honours Degree in Accounting and or Finance
• Master’s degree in business administration and or commerce (Advantageous)
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in financial management leading a finance function in preparing and providing monthly management reports and consolidated AFS, as well as audits
• At least 8 years’ experience in a senior managerial position or proven ability to manage a large, multi-functional, complex department/business unit
• Experience in serving on senior leadership forums/Excos
• Engagement with diverse, external international stakeholders in managing legislative risk
• Leading team through transformational change to maturity and outstanding performance.
• Experience working across operations, procurement, supply chain and commercial functions
• Experience in working across a broad spectrum of industries

Personal Attributes: Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics)

• Strategic Thinking and Visionary
• Entrepreneurial & Commercial Thinking
• Governance Risk and Compliance Awareness
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Results Orientation and Accountability
• Adapting & responding to change