Key Accountabilities
Lead the development and execution of the Group Financial Strategy, including oversight of business cases, investments, funding structures, and capital allocation, aligned to SAFCOL's integrated business strategy.
Act as custodian of value creation by driving financial turnaround, cost Optimisation and revenue enhancement to strengthen organisational performance and sustainability.
Ensure accurate, timely, and decision-relevant consolidated financial reporting across complex entities.
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and statutory reporting while ensuring full compliance with IFRS, GAAP, PFMA, King IV principles, and applicable legislation, embedding ethical leadership and good governance across the Group.
Translate complex financial information into clear strategic insights for executive and Board decision-making.
Provide executive oversight of internal and external audit processes, strengthening audit outcomes through proactive audit management, enhanced internal controls, and the reduction of irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.
Lead enterprise-wide financial risk management and ensure integrity of the risk control framework.
Provide and oversee strategic oversight of Supply Chain Management to ensure compliance, efficiency, and value-for-money procurement aligned with public sector regulations.
Cultivate strategic relationships with key stakeholders, while representing the organisation in engagements with Board Committees, Parliamentary structures, investors, financiers, and other strategic stakeholders.
Oversee a high-performing Group finance function.
Enhance and optimise digitisation, automation, and continuous improvement of financial systems and reporting capabilities.
Minimum Requirements
Chartered Accountant CA(SA) with SAICA registration
NQF Level 9 qualification (MBA, MCom, or equivalent) is highly desirable
Professional affiliation with bodies such as SAICA, CIMA, or IoDSA will be advantageous
10 - 15 years' progressive experience in financial leadership roles
Minimum 5 years at Executive or Senior Management level in a complex, regulated environment
Proven track record within a state-owned entity or public sector environment, with strong exposure to PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and governance frameworks
Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale, capital-intensive operations and multibillion-rand budgets
Proven experience in leading and delivering successful corporate turnaround and business transformation initiatives
Proven experience in funding and capital raising within a commercial or public sector environment
Proven experience in leading and delivering successful corporate turnaround and business transformation initiatives
Demonstrated experience in reporting to and engaging with Boards and Board Committees on strategic financial, governance, and risk matters
Professional membership with a recognised forestry professional body will be an added advantage
Core Competencies
Strategic thinking, operational excellence, and commercial insight
Strong capabilities in governance, risk management, supply chain oversight, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional leadership, and change management
Deep expertise in financial regulation, tax, capital planning and reporting standards
Data analytics and performance optimisation
Digital transformation, systems integration, and process automation
Leadership and Strategy
Visionary and transformational leadership
Strategic thinking and execution
Business growth and commercial acumen
Enterprise leadership and organisational transformation
Financial and Commercial Management
Financial stewardship
Investment and capital allocation
Corporate finance and funding strategies
Revenue growth and profitability management
Governance and Risk
Corporate governance expertise
Risk management and regulatory compliance
Ethical leadership and accountability
Board and shareholder engagement
Stakeholder Management
Political acumen and stakeholder diplomacy
Government relations
Community engagement
Labour relations and social partnership management
Operational Excellence
Operational optimisation
Infrastructure and capital project oversight
Performance management
Innovation and digital transformation
Personal Attributes
High integrity and ethical conduct
Sound judgement and decision-making
Resilience and adaptability
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Results-oriented and performance-driven
High emotional intelligence
Preferred additional expertise
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
ESG and Sustainability Reporting
Climate Change and Carbon Markets
International Trade and Market Development
Corporate Restructuring and Turnaround Management
Development Finance and Infrastructure Financing
Land Reform and Restitution Programmes
Mergers, Acquisitions and Strategic Partnerships
Renewable Energy and Bioeconomy Initiatives
Forestry Certification Systems (FSC, PEFC or equivalent)
Knowledge of State-Owned entity governance