Our client is a South African IPP that creates, funds, constructs, owns, and manages customized projects that enhance energy security, and lower electricity costs based in Johannesburg. The role reports directly into the CFO.

Support in ensuring that the realisation of the Energy’s business’ growth ambition is aligned to long-term shareholder value creation.

You are responsible for the financial analysis, modelling, valuation, structuring, negotiation and project finance activities in support of the company’s activities at the corporate and individual project levels.

Qualifications / requirements:

• Finance / Economics based degree or technical qualification/degree (e.g. engineering) (Essential/minimum)
• A professional qualification such as CFA, CA (SA) CIMA, ACA, ACCA (or equivalent) – Essential/minimum
• 5 years minimum – project finance experience, in-depth financial analysis and complex financial modelling (incl debt model & deal making exposure). Experience in leading / supporting the financing efforts for a bid / leading a project to financial close.
• Strong and proven analytical and quantitative skills.
• Commercial acumen with good understanding of accounting topics and tax structures.
• Knowledge of valuation methodologies, financial models, business plans preparation, and simulation tools.
• Demonstrable understanding and familiarity with key project finance concepts.
• Planning ability and capacity to deliver on plans and to work autonomously.
• Ability to identify and present the key aspects, challenges and potential issues of a project.
• Good negotiation skills and interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge of Excel, basic use of macros, especially financial models (VBA is a plus), Word and Power Point.
• Good understanding of the power business and the IPP model.
• Understanding of banking and funding processes issues.
• Understanding of contractual structure of a typical contracted-output IPP.

Responsibilities:

• Perform financial analysis/modelling for investments and valuation of acquisition opportunities and/or disposals;
• Advise on risk allocation, appropriate mitigation factors and contingencies, hedging strategy, bankability issues, optimization & tax structuring;
• Establish projects’ impacts on financing and accounting;
• Contribute to the preparation of files for investment decision, including relevant sensitivity analysis. Ensure all projects being evaluated follow strict approval process and governance in line with the relevant committee requirements;
• Actively support the commercial process by providing insights and advice on the economics and financials of commercial opportunities;
• Support the capital structuring on projects and recommend best financing strategy (based on knowledge of the current banking market, capital markets, and other sources of funds);
• Support the structuring, negotiation and execution of project financing, support in internal project equity coordination;
• Handle non-project related financial advisory activities (e.g. support Group corporate finance in annual impairment tests, post investment reviews, business planning, lookbacks, etc.);
• Support in funding and structuring solutions and capital structure optimisation (short term, corporate and project finance and all manner of securities) of the Energy business;
• Construction and maintenance of project and corporate financial models including for concept and bankable project studies;
• In coordination with business development and M&A functions, maintain market intelligence, screen opportunities, monitor and assess competitors’ approach to financing/funding projects;
• Support coordination of functional/cross-functional activities to ensure functional alignment;
• Develop inhouse capability, relevant methodologies, guidelines, policies and procedures;
• Maintain and ensure a healthy environment, safe operations practices, ensuring compliance with all applicable Safety Health and Environmental (SHE) policies procedures in line with set standards.

Internal interfaces:

• Business development, M&A and Engineering teams
• Expertise centres (Group reporting (IFRS), Tax etc.)
• Legal counsel
• Group Corporate Finance, Treasury etc.
• Operations Finance

External interfaces:

• Local and internal banks and financial institutions
• Tax / accounting and financial advisors and auditors
• Legal, technical and insurance advisors
• Partners & competitors
• Off takers / tendering authorities / customers
• Contractors / suppliers
• Consultants (modelers etc.)