Job Description

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - African Cluster
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa / Nairobi, Kenya
About Us:
AstraZeneca is at the forefront of global healthcare innovation, driving breakthroughs in medicine and science. We are seeking a seasoned Chief Financial Officer to lead our Finance unit within the African Cluster. This role is pivotal in aligning our global strategies with local execution in large, complex markets.
Role Overview:
As the CFO for the African Cluster, you will be instrumental in translating AstraZeneca's global strategy into actionable financial goals, effectively navigating the complexities of the pharmaceutical landscape. Your leadership will drive business performance, ensuring strategic alignment between business and finance.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction for Finance and related functions within the African Cluster, reflecting global initiatives.
• Develop and oversee operating plans and budgets to achieve strategic business goals and maintain high-quality standards.
• Guide and inspire a team of director-level leaders, fostering a culture of excellence and strategic foresight.
• Shape the talent strategy, ensuring ongoing development and diverse exposure for future finance leaders.
• Exercise cost control and compliance with Financial Standards to boost operational efficiency.
• Communicate financial performance insights to champion continuous improvement and market responsiveness.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with suppliers and partners to enhance customer loyalty and service offerings.
• Align internal stakeholder objectives with the overarching business strategy, influencing global policy and program development.

Essential Skills & Experience

• A qualified finance professional with a globally recognised Accounting qualification
• Advanced degree in Finance or Business (e.g., MBA).
• Extensive experience in a senior finance role within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record in managing finance for large, complex markets on a global scale.
• Prior knowledge and exposure of working across the African market
• Deep understanding of regulatory requirements, governance principles, and SOX compliance.
• Experience influencing and collaborating with senior executives and diverse cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills and strategic financial acumen.

Why Join Us:
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
We are driven by learning. There's no room for egos here: we're an open-minded team, willing to share and willing to listen. We thrive on working seamlessly and inclusively across our different functions. It's the diversity of perspectives and opportunities that fuels our passion for lifelong learning.
Join us at AstraZeneca and be part of a team that is making a real difference in patients' lives every day. Apply now!
Date Posted 18-Sept-2025
Closing Date 09-Oct-2025
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Skills Required