Technology Chief Financial Officer

JOB PURPOSE
Executive Finance Partner for the Group Technology and Group Human Resources departments ("the Business"). Partner with the Group CTO CIO, Group HR Director, BLT Group CEOs and functional stakeholders to support in setting financial objectives, optimizing cost and value drivers, risk management and business analysis. The role is responsible for accurate, timely execution and management of the Business' finance function. This entails providing strategic direction to the Business alongside direct responsibility for cost efficiency, cash management, strategic analysis and planning.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Financial Planning
   Develop, implement, monitor, review and evaluate the Business' financial strategy. Establish and maintain strong relationships with the board, shareholders and BLT Group CEOs to identify their needs and seek a full range of business solutions. Enable the Business to capitalize on new opportunities and build out new capabilities. Develop and implement a cost-effective strategy for business that simplifies processes. Creating a financial operating model that is robust, scalable and designed to support business growth. Treasury and cash management: Lead liquidity management and manage cash flows including detailed cash flow forecasting. Creating, monitoring and analyzing financial and operational metrics that track performance and provide insights. Assess capital finance proposals and the financial status of operations projects. Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-term planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory action. Provide financial information and interpret the implications for business performance and funding needs. Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of accounting and business systems and processes. Direct the preparation of financial reports summarizing and forecasting the business's financial position such as the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. Partner with BLT Group CEOs to formulate and direct financial budgets and forecasts. Manage business information strategy, development and implementation of business systems, streamlining processes to assist with analysis.
2. Finance Operations
   Organise and manage the finance function within Group Technology and Group Human Resources in order to ensure the best execution of accurate financial controls and reporting, including full accounting function, tax planning, submission, compliance and cost accounting. Provide accurate, complete and understandable financial information to Business Heads, BLT Group CEOs and the executive team. Financial modelling, scenario planning and cost-benefit analysis. Business case development for capital projects, new developments or changes to operating models. Procurement: Implement, monitor and control procurement practices and vendor management, manage relationships with service providers, Business Heads, BLT Group CEOs and other agreed stakeholders across the entire business. Drive the implementation and provision of sound financial, business intelligence and management services to the business. Ensure the provision of financial and material resources to support operational strategies. Business optimisation including cost management, cash flow management and quality/value assessment. Drive continuous OPEX improvement and ensure optimal allocation of resources. Analyze activities, products, and services of all cost centres to identify critical cost drivers in collaboration with management. Find cost solutions whilst using technology and systems in the most efficient way possible. Consult with service/department managers to plan, control and report on financial activities and the performance of the area. Manage and report on cost usage that reflects delivery of planned work within agreed parameters. Generate systems and tools that enable line managers to understand the cost drivers of all activities in the area. Research, develop, and implement costing models for the business. Build, run, and execute profitability models and provide required reports for business decisions, business case development and capex projects. Implement systems and controls for efficient accounting, analysis, reporting and cost optimization.
3. Budget, Forecasting
   Management of the budgeting process and preparation of monthly and annual forecasts to ensure the business meets its financial and service objectives. Full management of the Business' annual budgeting process through collaborative efforts alongside BLT Group CEOs. Prepare and maintain a full cost-to-serve model that optimises delivery, value and correct allocation to Group Subsidiaries. Maintain full forecasting financial models to provide insights to the Business' performance against budget, BLT Group subsidiary requirements and future cash and system requirements. Analyze historical data to motivate future budget requirements.
4. Corporate Governance
   Monthly shareholder reporting, management accounts and board reports. Full responsibility for external audit and any other statutory and regulatory reporting. Ensure credibility of the Business' finance by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts. Ensure the Business complies with the statutory legislation and corporate governance frameworks. Accountable for the formulation of policies and procedures in line with relevant legislation and ensure implementation thereof. Systems and controls – implement and maintain systems, procedures and controls for efficient and accurate accounting, analysis and reporting. Define policies, procedures and processes to streamline the Business and optimize efficiencies.
5. Governance, Risk Management & Reporting
   Identify potential, current financial and operational risks.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
   Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and define project scopes. Champion the transition of new ways of work and integration of tech and Business delivery and operating model. Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, provide regular updates on project status and address concerns promptly. Recognize outcomes which resulted from effective collaboration between teams. Collaborate with other leaders to deliver superior customer experience. Be an effective inspirational leader to facilitate the creation of motivated and accountable, full-service teams who understand and strive to meet the needs of all business stakeholders. Coach and counsel operational managers and staff to develop and sustain an environment that fully understands financials.
7. Team Coordination & Managing Complexity
   Lead and mentor Finance teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and accountability. Coordinate with external providers and partners to ensure alignment on financial projects goals and deliverables.
8. Data Collection and Analysis
   Use expertise to act as the Business authority on creating relevant, lucid and effective reports. Acts as the Business's authority on strategic planning, established expert on analyzing data trends for use in reports to help guide the decision making. Provide data insights to assist BLT Group CEOs in understanding their financial models. Coach BLT Group CEOs with creation of their financial budgets, people budget etc. through data analysis.
9. Change Management
   Develop and implement change management plans to facilitate smooth transitions during technology rollouts for budgets. Conduct training sessions for internal teams and customers to ensure proper adoption of financial models and services. Apply best practices to implement and/or resolve financial issues.
10. Business Continuity
    Develop and maintain robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
11. Strategic Mindset and Business Acumen
    Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies, for example, a big-picture thinker; makes frequent, clear references to the Business' vision, the efforts required to drive strategies forward. Effectively integrates long-term opportunities and challenges with day-to-day activities. Applies knowledge of Business and the marketplace to advance the business's goals, for example, ensures leaders understand and discuss relevant industry changes that may benefit the Business. Able to formulate financial reports and analysis that translate to business needs and future benefits.
12. Situational Adaptability and Communication
    Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations, for example, takes steps to adapt to changing needs, conditions, priorities or opportunities.
13. Budgeting Oversight and Costing
    Acts as the Business' authority and established experts on costing, budgeting and finance tasks.

EDUCATION

CA (SA) or CIMA is required. A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in Technology Project Management, or a similar role, preferably in the Telecommunications or Technology sector. At least 12 years post-qualifying experience with a minimum of 3 years in a similar role. Relevant experience in Fintech, ICT as a Business Partner. Extensive experience and knowledge in financial reporting. Extensive experience in cost accounting and experience in developing cost allocation models and methodologies (e.g. activity-based costing). Extensive experience in project accounting includes understanding IFRS requirements for capitalizing, budget management, financial modelling, scenario analysis and variance reporting. Competent in engaging with executives, shareholders and board members. Experience in financial and data analysis with a proven track record of being able to develop practical recommendations from data insights. Oracle System's Knowledge and experience.