Head of Department: Financial Services

Industry: Property / Hospitality Zimbali Estate is one of South Africa’s most distinguished residential lifestyle estates, where community and contemporary living meet in harmony with nature. This renowned eco‑estate is celebrated for its protected coastal forest, abundant wildlife, and long‑standing conservation ethos. With world‑class hospitality partners, diverse sports facilities, family recreation hubs, serene forest trails, and a celebrated 5‑star golf course, Zimbali Estate offers a rich, multi‑generational lifestyle. The Estate safeguards its indigenous landscapes, nurtures biodiversity, and restores the region’s natural heritage. This philosophy of care also shapes its governance, community support, and leadership approach, which are grounded in transparency, integrity, and good governance. Joining Zimbali Estate’s leadership means contributing to a trusted legacy, strengthening a vibrant community, and guiding a sustainable, future‑focused estate. Specification Responsible for developing and executing the financial strategy and overseeing day‑to‑day financial operations to ensure strong accounting practices, compliance, sustainability, and support of the estate’s long‑term objectives. Financial Strategy, Policies & Governance Develop and implement financial strategy aligned with estate objectives. Drive policy development and ensure Board‑approved procedures are followed. Build financial models to support planning, risk assessment and decision‑making. Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements. Ensure strong internal controls, governance, and risk management. Prepare progress reports, provide financial insights, and support strategic initiatives. Ensure compliance with legislation, corporate policies, and audit requirements. Budgeting & Performance Management Lead annual operating and capital budgeting. Produce monthly financial and variance reports for management, committee and Board. Track financial performance, monitor expenditure and recommend improvement actions. Coordinate communication, departmental reporting and financial project management. Financial Operations & Control Manage debtors, creditors, banking, investments and asset register. Approve purchase orders and payments within delegated authority. Oversee procurement and ensure accurate reconciliations. Monitor debt recovery processes and legal handovers. Liaise with residents regarding account queries and implement collection actions. Statutory Compliance & Audit Prepare and submit all statutory returns (SARS, CIPC, EE, SETA, WSP, CSOS). Manage annual audits and prepare financial statements. Stay updated on changes in financial reporting requirements. Complete submissions within deadlines and ensure audit success. Stakeholder & Contract Management Build relationships with auditors, attorneys, service providers and residents. Oversee procurement and tender processes. Monitor SLA performance, hold providers accountable and implement penalties if required. Conduct regular meetings to review service delivery and identify improvements. Identify and mitigate financial risks through control systems and procedures. Maintain risk and asset registers. Administer insurance requirements and review coverage. Report periodically on risk exposure and mitigation plans. Reporting & Committee Support Produce monthly management reports and consolidate annual budgets. Prepare and present AGM financial content and respond to queries. Facilitate finance‑related communication, meeting minutes and action tracking. People Management Lead and develop the finance team, promoting excellence and continuous improvement. Mentor, coach and manage staff performance (KPIs and appraisals). Determine staffing requirements and support transformation objectives. Oversee training plans, workflow design and HR compliance. Requirements Degree in Finance/Accounting (postgraduate advantageous). CIMA/CA preferred. Minimum 5 years’ financial management experience (estate or homeowners’ association ideal). Proven track record in leading a finance department. Key Competencies Strategic & Systematic Thinking Industry Awareness Decision‑Making Stress Tolerance Integrity Change & Conflict Management Relationship Building Negotiation Prioritisation Results Orientation Client/Stakeholder Focus Technical Expertise Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply. Application with a detailed resume and covering letter must be emailed to the Human Resources team. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Zimbali Estate by 2x. Location: Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa. Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Finance and Sales Head of Financial Services Duration: 5 days ago (current). Number of positions open: 1. #J-18808-Ljbffr