Job Description

Who are we?
SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent's high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors. Rolfes Group is a Solevo Group company.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking for a highly experienced and strategic Finance Director. The ideal candidate should excel in strong financial leadership experience, and advanced analytical and tech skills to drive performance, compliance, and innovation in a fast-paced, international environment. Our Finance Director will be based in Johannesburg & Pretoria.
What do we expect from the candidate?

• Knowledge or understanding of local tax requirement (direct and indirect tax).

• Able to report and explain financial results to local and regional management.

• Complex problem solving and project management experience.

• Person with drive, energy, and willingness to go the extra mile to get the job done.

• Must thrive in an environment driven by tight schedules/deadlines and to deliver results.

• Strong IT skills and must be an effective communicator.

• Demonstrated mastery and a very high proficiency in business and data analysis, including:

• Exceptional competency in using advanced features of Excel and Power BI.
• Experience with ERP's such as Syspro, Acumatica and MS Dynamics 365 will be advantageous.

• Professional demeanour with high degree of comfort speaking with Senior Management.

• Fluency in English, both in written and verbal communication.

The key responsibilities:
Strategy, Planning and Management:

• Act as Financial Director and strategic business partner to senior executive leadership team (Group & subsidiary).
• Assess and evaluate financial performance of organization with regard to Preparation of robust and reliable cash forecasts.
• Preliminary analytical review for discussion with MD's/Department Managers incl. variance against budget and latest forecast.
• Give the support to the implementation systems and software to provide critical financial and operational information.
• Communicate, engage and interact with local Board of Directors, departments and Group Management Team.
• Recruit, interview and hire finance, accounting, payroll, other support/centralised functions staff as required.

Accounting, General Ledger, Administration & Operations:

• Responsibility for the current month's forecast, interim forecasts and annual budgets using appropriate tools to track performance to forecast and ensure a 'no surprises' environment.
• A rooted understanding of the business' performance drivers gained through trend analysis, active participation in operational matters and engaging with business partners (including Sales and Operational Managers) to identify root causes and countermeasures for performance variances.
• Prepared to challenge performance across each function including sales and operational through use of applied KPI metrics.
• Supervise the accounting department to ensure the proper functioning of all systems, databases and financial software. Provide regular maintenance and backup of all accounting systems and supervise company financial staff.
• Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls, compliance and financial procedures.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data.
• Oversee the preparation and communication of weekly, monthly and annual financial statements.
• Oversee the preparation and timely filing of all local tax returns.
• Work with legal group manager to ensure appropriate legal compliance.
• Oversee the month-end close process and preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, tools and control systems.
• Hire, develop and manage chief accounting and staff.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors; Manage preparation and support of all external audits.
• Coordinate and strategize methods used to attain team goals with Group CFO and Regional Controllers.

Financial and Cash Management:

• Manage cash flow planning process and ensure funds availability.
• Oversee cash, investments, and asset management area.
• Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and business partners.
• Develop and oversee weekly cash management and approve large payables, sign checks, authorize large wires.
• Supervise Accounts Receivable management and provide guidance relating to the collection & credit process.

Tax Management:

• Play a key role in the formulation of the tax audit strategy.
• Coordinate and strategize methods with Head of Group Tax & Group CFO.
• Responsibility for Sales Tax and Corporate Income tax preparation and filing.
• Ensure we develop systems to manage transfer pricing compliance in line with local legislation while aligning with Group objectives.

Others:

• Undertakes ad hoc projects as required.
• Develops talent and shares best practice across the region.
• Supports Group CFO and Global team.
• Challenges current working practices and processes to drive improvement with the finance department and operations.
• Maintains effective working relationships with the Company's stakeholders and external parties, including External Audit Team and Banks and all shareholders.
• Drives projects that reduce overall costs.

If you possess...
Must-Have:

• Bcom Account (Hons.) with CTA and a qualified CA(SA).
• 8-15 years post qualification experience in a distribution and/or manufacturing environment.

Nice-to-Have:

• Change Management experience - especially in finance transformation or ERP implementation.
• Strong stakeholder management - ability to influence across departments and cultures.
• Experience in M&A or corporate restructuring - valuable for growth-focused companies.
• Sustainability and ESG reporting knowledge - increasingly relevant in global finance roles.
• Multilingual abilities - French or Portuguese could be a plus for African markets.

If you are...

• Able to tackle complex problems effectively and adapt to fast-paced development environments.
• A strong leader and have the ability to mentor junior consultants.
• Proven track record of working effectively in remote team settings, demonstrating flexibility, and contributing positively to a collaborative work environment.
• Analytical and a Problem-Solving person: Exceptional ability to analyse complex requirements, identify potential bottlenecks, and devise effective solutions. Strong debugging skills to efficiently resolve issues in the development process.

Why join Rolfes Group Solevo?

• Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.
• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.
• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and 'thinking out of the box' is key.
• Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.
• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.
• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Then, this job is for you!
How to join us?
If you're excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.
What's next ?
If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.
Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.
Join Solevo: Empowering Progress Across Africa
At Solevo, we connect communities and industries with the solutions they need to grow, thrive, and transform. From supporting agricultural self-sufficiency to driving industrial innovation, we are shaping the future of Africa's life sciences and industrial sectors.

Skills Required