Chief Finance Officer - Farming and Export

Our client, a prominent citrus and table grape producer, packer, and exporter based in the Western Cape, is looking for a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to spearhead financial strategy, organisational transformation, and sustainable growth. With operations spanning multiple farming sites and export activities reaching the UK and global markets, this family-owned enterprise presents an exceptional opportunity to join a values-driven organisation committed to operational excellence and stability.

Working alongside the CEO and executive leadership, the CFO will be instrumental in optimising financial performance, enabling informed decision-making through robust data analysis, and maintaining sound financial governance as the organisation transitions through the current CFO s retirement.

The position is located in Bellville, Cape Town, requiring periodic domestic travel and potential international travel accompanying the CEO.

• Maintain liquidity positions and direct cash management operations
• Evaluate operational financial results and provide actionable recommendations to maximise margins
• Direct the preparation of financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and business plans
• Cultivate and sustain productive partnerships with ownership groups
• Deliver strategic financial guidance and commercial insights to the CEO and senior management
• Evaluate and advise on capital allocation, investment opportunities, and growth initiatives
• Establish comprehensive risk mitigation frameworks and maintain adherence to regulatory requirements

• Manage currency risk exposure and execute hedging mechanisms for cross-border commerce
• Develop and lead a geographically distributed finance function supporting operational business units
• Establish and sustain comprehensive internal control frameworks and audit protocols
• Champion technology-enabled transformation initiatives and process optimisation efforts
• Maintain compliance with international trade regulations and industry-specific standards
• Navigate agricultural production cash cycles and optimise working capital deployment
• Facilitate capital expenditure decisions across production, processing, and distribution infrastructure

• Gain stakeholder confidence and establish rapport with the finance organisation
• Conduct thorough assessment of existing financial infrastructure, workflows, and governance mechanisms
• Partner with outgoing CFO to facilitate seamless knowledge transfer
• Immerse in operational activities and develop cross-functional relationships throughout the business

• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong knowledge of financial reporting, internal controls, audit processes, cash flow management, and regulatory compliance
• Leadership: Demonstrated strong leadership, communication, and people management skills
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years  progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Professional
  
  Qualification:
  
  Chartered Accountant (CA) SA or equivalent SAICA qualification
• Languages: Fluency in English and Afrikaans (written and spoken)
• Personal Attributes: High level of integrity, family values, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Financial Expertise: Proven expertise in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management

• Advanced academic credentials such as Master s degree or MBA
• Background in agricultural sectors, specifically citrus and table grape cultivation/export operations
• Familiarity with producer/packer/exporter business models in the Western Cape region
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Business Central ERP systems
• Experience with:
• Infrastructure investment decisions in agricultural production, processing, and logistics
• Agricultural working capital management and seasonal financing requirements
• Currency hedging strategies and FX risk management for export businesses
• International trade compliance and documentation requirements
• Systems implementation and business process re-engineering initiatives

Compensation:

• Performance-based bonus structure
• Cost to Company (CTC): R3.5 million – R5 million…