Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Description

Who we are:

PPS Investments is part of the PPS Group, which for over 8 decades has been the trusted financial partner for graduate professionals in South Africa. Unlike a company that is listed on a stock exchange, PPS belongs to its members and operates under the ethos of mutuality. This means that qualifying members can exclusively share in the profits of the Group, through the unique PPS Profit-Share Account.

PPS Investments exists to create and grow the wealth of graduate professionals and their families to live the lives they want in a world worth living in. We offer diversified and flexible investment solutions that are mutually beneficial to our clients in the long run because we believe that success is better shared.

Purpose Of The Job

This role’s primary objective is to oversee the financial functions and risk management of the business, including forecasting of financial standing, oversight of finance and accounting deliverables and advising CEO and Executive Committee on strategic direction and financial decision making. This role will be required to operate at a strategic level and operate in line with our core company values and culture. As a member of the executive team, the successful candidate will take responsibility for the financial management of PPS Investments in accordance with Group Accounting Practices.

Requirements

Ideal Experience And Qualifications

1. Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience at a senior level in finance, specifically within platform, asset management and/or multi management and have operated at an executive or board-level, would be considered as advantageous.
2. Proven experience in the development and improvement of financial/business systems and procedures.
3. Comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements within the Financial Services sector.
4. Relevant Degree in Finance or Accounting and required Certification (CA(SA)).

Competencies And Ideal Personality Attributes

1. Strategic thinker
2. Business Acumen
3. Knowledge of business and management principles and processes
4. Sound and proven financial accounting skills
5. Sound judgement and decision-making skills
6. Exceptional attention to detail
7. Excellent analytical, critical, and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
9. People management and leadership skills
10. Integrity
11. Resilience
12. Collaborative
13. Drives results and optimizes work processes.
14. Results Focused
15. Ability to remain composed and resilient under pressure.
16. Demonstrated learning agility and curiosity.
17. Strong interpersonal skills, including listening and communication.
18. Communicative and open
19. Ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
20. Organisationally savvy.

Additional Information

Business travel to Johannesburg will be required from time to time.

Systems Knowledge

1. Proficient in MS Office Suite, with advanced MS Excel skills.
2. Knowledge and experience with financial accounting tools and systems.

Key Success Measurement

Thorough understanding of the financial services environment with demonstrated experience in a leadership role supporting the development of financial and accounting business processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

1. Formulate and successfully implement financial strategies, policies and procedures for the Company, supporting the overall company objectives including profitability goals.
2. Provide leadership and direction in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
3. Provide consultative support and recommendations on financial implications to the CEO to support decision-making and management processes.
4. Provide strategic and advisory support to CEO and the Heads of Verticals on financial matters.
5. Co-ordinate, manage and review budgets and forecasts providing recommendations to CEO to maximize profitability.
6. Contribute as a subject matter expert to effectively operationalize the strategic roadmap, plans and initiatives.

Financial Management

1. Oversee the financial statements and reporting processes.
2. Monitor financial performance and analyse financial data to drive business decisions.
3. Optimize financial resources, manage all expenditure, and drive profitability.
4. Liaise with internal and external auditor partners, to discuss and resolve audit findings and accounting issues.
5. Manage the working capital requirements.
6. Manage the tax exposures and opportunities.
7. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and financial reporting standards.
8. Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
9. Continuously monitor, evaluate and enhance internal financial policies, procedures, and reporting systems to ensure that the financial and accounting functions are operating effectively and comply with corporate governance.
10. Prepare and present board reports (including but not limited to Risk and Audit Committee board meetings) on a quarterly basis at board level.
11. Manage and minimize the company's financial risk exposure by developing, implementing and maintaining internal controls for accounting functions.
12. Review the preparation of statutory annual financial statements and tax returns.
13. Ensure compliance with statutory and Group budgetary reporting requirements.
14. Identify opportunities and implement procedures for increased efficiencies and service improvements.
15. Manage the integrity of all financial data, ensuring information is accurate and timely.
16. Coordinate the monthly, quarterly and annual financial data reporting process (including preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports).

Risk Management

1. Provide leadership and oversight on all financial risks and develop risk management strategies.
2. Ensure the company's financial stability and sustainability.

People Management

1. Build and lead an effective and cohesive finance team.
2. Implement effective people management practices within the finance team.
3. Manage relationship with Head Office Finance Management of Group.
4. Direct and oversee all aspects of the Finance & Accounting functions, including payroll as a sub-function of Finance.
5. Lead, develop and motivate the finance team to achieve the department and PPSI strategic goals.