Job Description

KEY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and the executive leadership team, responsible for the overall financial sustainability and support business scalability. Operating in a fleet and transportation sector, the CFO must balance asset utilization optimization, short-term operational cost control with long-term investment and risk strategy, while ensuring governance and stakeholder accountability.

KEY OUTPUTS/ ACCOUNTABILITY

1. Strategic Financial Leadership

Develop and execute the company's financial strategy, aligned with overall business objectives and growth initiatives in the fleet sector (e.g., asset acquisition, profitability, financing structures). Lead annual enterprise-wide budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes, incorporating industry-specific factors such as fuel volatility, maintenance patterns, vehicle lifecycle costing, and regulatory changes. Conduct in-depth financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, providing actionable insights to senior leadership for strategic decision-making. Evaluate and advise on capital allocation strategies, including vehicle acquisition (lease vs. buy), infrastructure investments (e.g., charging stations for EVs), and technology upgrades. Advise on potential mergers and acquisitions, investment appraisals, and perform due diligence and financial modelling specific to transport/logistics assets and operations.

Financial Management & Control:

Oversee all financial operations (including accounting, treasury, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable), ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Manage cash flow effectively, optimizing working capital to support daily operations and strategic investments, and enforce fleet contract cash flow optimization (e.g., contract profitability, SLA receivables). Implement financial controls and lead ERP/integrated finance system efficiency initiatives. Monitor and analyze fleet-related financial drivers (fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, telematics subscriptions, driver wages), identifying areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Oversee debt/equity financing arrangements and maintain strong institutional investor and banking relationships. Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) to internal and external stakeholders.

Risk, Governance & Management :

Develop and own the financial risk register as part of an enterprise-wide risk management framework, specifically addressing. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS), and industry-specific regulations (e.g., transportation laws, environmental regulations). Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies. Lead cyber-risk mitigation related to financial and telematics data security. Oversee insurance programs for the fleet, optimizing coverage and costs.

Technology & Data Analytics:

Champion KPI dashboards for EXCO and Board use, ensuring strategic agility through financial data. Leverage data analytics to gain insights into fleet performance and to provide real-time insights into cost efficiency, asset utilisation, and predictive maintenance. Drive digital transformation within the finance function and collaborate with IT on finance data architecture and improve reporting.

Leadership & Team Development:

Lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Collaborate with other departmental heads (Operations, Sales, HR, IT) to ensure financial objectives are integrated with operational goals and company-wide initiatives. Act as a financial advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on all matters, including governance, capital strategy, and compliance.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. CA (SA) or equivalent professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA, CIMA) is highly preferred. An MBA or master's degree in finance is a plus.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 8 years in financial management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role (i.e., CFO or equivalent). Proven experience in managing the financial affairs of companies with a turnover of at least R500 million Demonstrable exposure in the fleet, transportation, logistics, or asset-intensive industries. Proven track record of success in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management. Experience in fleet cost structures, asset acquisitions, leasing models, asset disposal, and maintenance financing. Expertise in financial modelling, valuation, and capital markets. Proficiency in financial reporting and ERP implementations. Strong track record in stakeholder engagement (board, regulators, funders)

REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Strategic financial planning and reporting Oversight of the internal audit and control system Enterprise risk management Capital structuring and investor relations Regulatory and financial compliance (i.e., IFRS, SARS, King IV) Proficiency in financial systems and audit tools Analytical and investigative approach Executive reporting and documentation Understanding of operational finance in fleet management Data-driven Cost control in fleet operations Familiarity with fleet and ERP systems Strategic and analytical thinker with a keen business acumen. Proactive and results-oriented, with a drive to optimize financial performance. Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, dynamic environment. Adaptable and open to innovation and technology. Confident negotiator with financial institutions and OEMs. * Ethical leadership and integrity.