Job Description: Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location

Stellenbosch, South Africa (Frequent local and international travel required).

Industry

Agriculture – Citrus / Fruit Agribusiness

Overview

The Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic leadership and overall financial direction for a vertically integrated citrus and fruit agribusiness operating across farming, packing, processing, trading, logistics, marketing, and asset management. The role is responsible for supporting sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation through strong financial management, capital allocation, and governance.

The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership and the board to align financial strategy with commercial objectives across international markets while maintaining robust governance, investor confidence, and environmental and social responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategy

·        Provide financial leadership at executive and board level.

·        Support the development and execution of long-term commercial and financial strategy.

·        Align financial planning with business expansion, transformation, and acquisition strategies.

Financial Management and Performance

·        Drive profitability and sustainable financial performance across the group.

·        Oversee budgeting, forecasting, treasury, liquidity management, and cash flow.

·        Monitor key financial metrics including EBITDA margins, return on assets (ROA), and return on invested capital (ROIC).

·        Manage working capital performance including days sales outstanding and other liquidity indicators.

Governance, Risk and Compliance

·        Ensure strong governance, compliance, and internal control frameworks.

·        Oversee financial reporting, audits, IFRS compliance, and group consolidation.

·        Manage risk exposure including foreign exchange coverage and insurance.

Legal, Tax and Structuring

·        Oversee corporate structuring and tax compliance within South Africa and relevant international jurisdictions.

·        Support the development and management of shareholder agreements, investment agreements, and licenses.

·        Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks including B-BBEE requirements.

Capital Projects and Investment

·        Evaluate capital investment opportunities including new plantings, infrastructure, and expansion projects.

·        Conduct ROI and IRR analysis on capital projects.

·        Monitor capital expenditure deployment and implementation against approved budgets.

Funding and Investor Relations

·        Manage relationships with investors, lenders, and key financial stakeholders.

·        Oversee funding structures including debt and equity ratios and interest coverage.

·        Support capital raising and financing initiatives.

Systems and Process Improvement

·        Drive improvements in financial systems, reporting structures, and ICT integration.

·        Enhance financial processes and operational efficiency across the organization.

Leadership and Team Development

·        Lead and develop the finance team.

·        Monitor team performance including retention, capability development, and succession planning.

·        Promote training, mentoring, and professional development.

Board and Stakeholder Reporting

·        Prepare and present financial reports and strategic updates to the board and shareholders.

·        Support executive decision-making through financial analysis and insight.