Our client is a prominent IPP, based in Cape Town. They’re involved the full turnkey solution of renewable power plants (from development through to operations)

The Head of Finance will play a critical role in overseeing the financial health and strategy of the organization. Reporting directly to the Corporate General Manager, the Head of Finance will be responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting, as well as ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This leadership position requires a high level of financial expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional analytical skills.

Reporting to the Corporate GM, and Boards and Committees at Group and project company level. Direct Reports are Finance Manager, Finance Business Partner and Project Finance Controller.

Must-haves:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.  Registered Chartered Accountant in South Africa (CA(SA)) or similar qualification (CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification) with proven experience with IFRS.

Must-have years of professional experiences:

15-20 years proven work experience as CFO/Head of Finance/senior financial management role.

Passion for renewable energy and sustainability; proven professional experience, preferably within the renewable energy sector.

Scope:

All companies and partnerships in the group. This includes the holding company,

development company, intermediate holding companies and all project companies in the managed portfolio.

Financial Controllership (Back Office):

Accounting & Reporting

• Ensure validity, accuracy, completeness and timeliness of financial records.
• Develop policies and frameworks related to corporate finance, treasury, tax, financial accounting, financial reporting, management accounting, procurement and insurance.
• Prepare and present financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cashflow statements.

Cash Flow Management

• Oversee cash flow planning and ensure sufficient liquidity for ongoing operations, project development, investment and repatriation of funds to offshore shareholders.
• Manage the relationship with banks and financial institutions.

Tax, Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local and international financial and tax regulations and standards.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and mitigate financial risks.
• Structure the group in a commercially efficient way considering SARB, Taxation, Project & Corporate Finance and Jurisdiction requirements.

Systems and Processes

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and software.
• Continuously improve financial processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Financial Planning & Analysis (Back Office):

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support the company’s overall objectives and growth.
• Collaborate with the executive team to align financial planning with business goals.
• Oversee the budget process and all reporting requirements (statutory, corporate, board, committee).
• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, providing actionable insights to the General Manager and executive team.

Project Finance (Middle Office):

• Work closely with Front Office to source, negotiate and execute funding for projects which may include non-recourse or project finance, currency and interest swaps, hedges, co-investments, mezzanine, preference shares, options, bonds, acquisition, LBO, or bridge financing.
• Lender stakeholder management at group and project company level.
• Executing project finance and other debt facility arrangements with lenders.
• Monitor and reporting on compliance of project financed ventures to lenders.
• Management of debt covenants at group, subsidiary, and project level.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for professional development and training to enhance team capabilities.

Stakeholder engagement:

• Act as CFO of project companies reporting to the respective Board and Committees of the various project companies.
• Act as a key point of contact for financial matters with internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, outsource providers, sponsors, banks, lenders and regulatory bodies.
• Represent the finance department in meetings and negotiations as required.

Technical competencies:

• Strong knowledge of statutory legislation and regulations, local and international.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and financial analysis skills.
• Working knowledge of structured finance, specifically project finance.
• Proficiency in financial software, systems, processes and data analysis tools.
• Commercial and business awareness.