Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Robert Walters

About the Role:

• Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the CFO will oversee key support service departments, including Finance, Human Resources, and Quality & Compliance.
• This strategic leadership position is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and compliance across the organisation while contributing to its long-term growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Drive strategic planning, budgeting, and business plan development.
• Propose policies and initiatives to support organisational growth and impact.
• Build high-performing teams through effective leadership, coaching, and training.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory requirements, and corporate governance standards.

Financial Management:

• Oversee robust financial controls, reporting, audits, and compliance with IFRS standards.
• Lead annual budgeting processes and monitor adherence to organisational goals.
• Manage cash flow planning, liquidity management, treasury operations, and funder relations.
• Optimise loan asset portfolio performance and risk management strategies.

Human Resources Leadership:

• Provide strategic direction for recruitment, talent management, workforce planning, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning across the organisation.

Quality & Compliance Oversight:

• Ensure adherence to credit policies and regulatory standards through effective monitoring practices.
• Lead risk management efforts to support long-term financial sustainability.

Systems Optimisation:

• Design and implement systems, controls, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency across departments.
• Promote automation and integration of tools to improve workflows and decision-making processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• CA(SA) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years’ senior management/executive experience overseeing Finance, HR, Procurement, Compliance, or Loan Portfolio functions.
• Strong understanding of IFRS standards, South African regulatory frameworks, and governance practices.
• Proven success in financial control, systems optimisation, portfolio risk management, and funder relationship management.

Key Competencies:

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire trust and mobilise teams toward achieving organisational goals.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on innovation and adaptability in navigating change.
• Exceptional communication skills – both written and verbal – to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Expertise in managing people through inclusive leadership practices that foster collaboration and accountability.
• Strong judgement skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.