Head of Finance

KEY ROLE:  

We are looking for a strategic and commercially astute Head of Finance to lead financial planning, reporting, tax planning and analysis, as well as the implementation of policies, procedures, and internal controls. The incumbent will also be responsible for leading a team to manage the annual audit and financial statement preparation across Africa, as well as assisting with the development of junior staff members.

Business growth objectives will be achieved by ensuring compliance, providing insightful financial leadership, and maintaining operational excellence. Oversight of the business's operational performance, cash collection, payment management, and review of margins and project profitability will also be required in this role.

The incumbent will also be responsible for the management of SLA's with various Group shared service centers and ensure that operating models and output is adhered as well as represent finance at the SLT and at Exco as an alternate to the Finance Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Financial Reporting, Planning and operational excellence 

•    Plan and manage the budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting across the business in accordance with global reporting deadlines. 

•    Ensure that financial information is appropriately supported with review of GL reconciliations. 

•    Develop and monitor KPIs to drive revenue growth, operating income, and cash flow management.

•    Oversee working capital management, credit control, and management of business risk areas. 

•    Be an active participant in reviewing and managing operational performance as well as providing the necessary written reports to Group. 

•    Ensure compliance with our local delegation of authority. 

•    Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and systems across divisions.

Control & Compliance

•    Plan and manage audits and financial statement preparation across Africa ensuring audit readiness and effective risk management across all financial operations.

•    Ensure compliance to legislative and statutory reporting requirements in various countries across Africa. 

•    Implement internal controls and adherence to Global policies and procedures. 

•    Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and systems across divisions.

•    Continuously improve internal controls through policy development, process enhancement, and cultural alignment.

•    Manage SLA's with shared service teams as well as improve reporting and use of information to improve business performance.

•    Enhance systems and reporting to improve visibility of financial reporting

Team Leadership & Development

•    Ensure the engagement and development of financial teams across the business. 

•    Build succession pipelines and elevate financial acumen across the business.

•    Promote collaboration, feedback, and alignment across finance and operational teams.

Strategic 

•    Represent finance at SLT and EXCO level, contributing to strategic decision-making and business development.

•    Deliver executive-level insights on performance, risks, opportunities, and backlog.

•    Supervise the management of working capital, credit control, and insurance coverage to mitigate project and business risks.

HEALTH AND SAFETY  

Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company's health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you  

Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm  

Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:  

•    CA (SA) or CIMA qualification (CA preferred).

•    10–15 years' post qualifying experience in senior  finance roles, ideally within consulting, construction, infrastructure, or engineering sectors.

•    Experience in managing large finance teams (15+ staff) and influencing executive stakeholders.

•    Exposure to M&A, integration, and managing through periods of change

•    Proven ability to deliver continuous business improvement in a growth environment.

•    Experience working on Oracle advantageous

    KEY COMPETENCIES AND GENERIC SKILLS:  

•    Deadline driven

•     Strong compliance and controls on essential tasks but flexible in the right way to enable business to deliver. 

•    Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and hands-on execution capability.

•    Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

•    Strong communicator with the ability to simplify complex financial issues.

•    High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; thrives in multicultural, cross-functional teams.

•    Ability to influence and collaborate across international boundaries.

•    Customer service orientation and a passion for delivery excellence.

•    High ability to work under pressure, accountability, and adaptability in dynamic environments.

What's in it for you?

What if we can have work-life balance? 

What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? 

Here at WSP – we can WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application. As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, and paid professional subscriptions. Be you, be happy - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognize the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.