Head of Finance Mining: Continental Africa & RoW

Purpose of the Job

To serve as a strategic finance partner to the Business Unit (Region) leadership team, supporting the development and execution of the finance strategy. The role is responsible for leading financial forecasting, budgeting, consolidations, planning and analysis to drive bottom-line financial and operational performance. As a key member of the Business Unit or Regional leadership team, the Head of Finance will oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensure strong financial governance and controls, and provide actionable insights to support decision-making and achievement of long-term strategic objectives, while aligning with corporate finance direction and enhancing stakeholder value.

Required outputs: Functional

• Partner with the VP Finance, VP Continental Africa & RoW and Business Unit leadership to support the development and execution of the financial strategy and annual planning cycle, translating strategic objectives into actionable financial plans, budgets, forecasts, and performance initiatives.
• Lead and oversee Business Unit financial operations, including management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and risk management, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
• Drive financial performance management by providing timely, accurate insights and analysis to support decision-making, improve profitability, optimise cost structures, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Corporate Finance functions (including tax, treasury, audit, and M&A) to ensure alignment, compliance, and effective execution of group-level financial initiatives within the Business Unit.
• Strengthen financial governance and internal controls within the Business Unit to minimise financial risks and support sustainable growth.
• Develop and lead the Business Unit finance team, building financial capability and fostering a high-performance culture aligned with organisational objectives.
• Serve as a trusted finance business partner to Business Unit leadership, providing data-driven insights and commercial guidance to support execution of the business strategy
• Manage external audit processes by overseeing relationships with auditors and coordinating with the Business Units to ensure timely and accurate completion of annual financial statement audits.
• Ensure regulatory and policy compliance by monitoring adherence to constitutional documents, codes of conduct, ethical practices, and relevant industry legislation within the Business Unit.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes by implementing, monitoring, and automating controls to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and support reliable financial reporting.
• Provide financial oversight and analysis by reviewing financial reports, harmonising accounting policies, maintaining effective financial controls, and supporting ad hoc financial transactions and decision-making
• Implement and maintain robust risk management controls within the Business Unit to safeguard financial integrity, minimise losses, and support reliable decision-making.
• Oversee the identification and mitigation of financial and operational risks by developing and executing risk management plans in alignment with corporate policies and Business Unit objectives.
• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance by staying informed of relevant changes and applying them to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and control environment of the Business Unit finance function
• Lead the preparation of Business Unit financial statements by influencing and coordinating teams to ensure timely, accurate, and reliable reporting in accordance with legislation and accepted accounting standards.
• Coordinate and support external audits by managing the annual and interim audit processes and liaising with auditors to ensure smooth completion of audit requirements.
• Oversee financial records and compliance by maintaining accurate financial and statutory reports, ensuring adherence to corporate policies, regulations, and accounting standards within the Business Unit
• Support effective treasury management by optimising liquidity, working capital, and cash flow within the Business Unit, in line with corporate policies, and assisting with funding needs as required.
• Oversee day-to-day cash management by implementing policies and procedures to ensure cash resources are available for operational requirements.
• Coordinate tax compliance within the Business Unit by liaising with financial managers and corporate tax functions to ensure income tax and transfer pricing requirements are properly managed.
• Support tax planning and risk management by providing input on Business Unit-level tax exposures and ensuring compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations.
• Provide financial insight on operational plans by analysing current and projected Business Unit operations to support sound decision-making and ensure alignment with corporate financial objectives
• Coordinate Business Unit executive reporting by preparing accurate and timely Exco/ Manco packs and other management reports to support informed decision-making.
• Promote strong finance governance and practices by ensuring consistent application of Finance policies, procedures, and controls, contributing to efficient and reliable financial operations.
• Provide actionable financial insights by delivering fit-for-purpose analytics and reporting that guide Business Unit decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of financial controls and processes
• Business Unit Executive Team – Act as a trusted finance partner by providing insights, analysis, and support for decision-making and operational planning.
• C-suite executives (as required) – Support executive discussions by providing accurate Business Unit financial data and recommendations in line with corporate reporting requirements.
• Heads of Business Lines / Shared Functions – Collaborate to align Finance processes, share best practices, and ensure consistent application of policies and standards.
• Finance Community – Lead and mentor the Business Unit finance team, fostering capability development, knowledge sharing, and a high-performance culture.
• Audit and Risk Committee (as required) – Provide accurate financial information, reports, and operational insights to support internal and external audit processes.
• Internal and External Stakeholders – Coordinate with internal teams and corporate functions to ensure compliance, financial integrity, and effective execution of financial initiatives
• Coordinate the annual budgeting process for the Business Unit by supporting the Finance Executive Committee team and the Finance function in preparing accurate and achievable budgets.
•  Manage the Business Unit budgeting cycle (annual and 3-year) by providing clear guidelines, monitoring execution, and implementing remedial actions as needed to ensure budgetary compliance and effective cash flow management.
• Review and consolidate divisional budgets within the Business Unit, providing timely reports to Regional leadership or Manco on material financial concerns or variances that may impact operations.
• Oversee finance team budget planning to ensure provision for all necessary finance interventions, tools, and initiatives, while maintaining adherence to available budgetary limits
• Lead and develop the Business Unit finance team by recruiting, mentoring, and coaching finance professionals to build a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture that supports Business Unit objectives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Business Unit Manco by offering financial insight, fostering collaboration, and promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Manage performance and talent development for direct reports, including succession planning, retention strategies, and career development within the Finance function.
• Promote diversity and inclusion by setting clear targets and encouraging an equitable, supportive, and high-performing finance team

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills Requirements

Minimum: Post-graduate / Honours Degree in Accounting and or Finance 

Master’s degree in business administration and or commerce (advantageous)

A minimum of 5 to 8 years’ post articles experience in financial management leading a finance function in preparing and providing monthly management reports.

At least 3 to 5 years’ experience in financial management, leading large multi-functional, complex teams / department operating at senior executive.

Experience with audits and preparing consolidated AFS.

Experience in serving on leadership forums / Excos.

Finance legislation, Treasury regulations and other regulatory frameworks

Personal attributes

Competencies (skills, knowledge and characteristics)

Analysing

Entrepreneurial & Commercial thinking

Adhering to principles and values

Deciding & Initiating Action

Presenting and Communicating Information

Formulating Strategies and Concepts

Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Applying expertise & Technology

Adapting & Responding to change

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