Job Description

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a dynamic Financial & Business Development Executive who combines strong financial acumen with a robust business mindset. This individual will play a dual role: overseeing the company's financial management and governance functions, while also actively driving growth opportunities, supporting business development initiatives, and building strategic relationships with key decision makers.
This is not a conventional accountant role. The ideal candidate is a commercially astute, hands-on executive who can manage cost and performance, while also contributing directly to new business generation and strategic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial & Operational Leadership

Lead management accounting and cost accounting functions to ensure accurate and insightful reporting on profitability, cost structures, and business performance. Drive financial planning, forecasting, and performance monitoring aligned to business strategy. Oversee cash flow, working capital management, and funding structures. Support compliance with financial, audit, tax, and governance requirements. Implement systems and processes that strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency.

Business Development & Growth Enablement

Identify, evaluate, and execute new business opportunities to grow Mecer Inter-Ed's portfolio. Partner with the Managing Director and leadership team to secure new customers and strategic contracts. Leverage personal networks and industry connections to open doors with key decision makers. Negotiate and structure deals that deliver both financial sustainability and strategic advantage. Provide financial and commercial insights to support bid preparation, vendor negotiations, and business cases.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Act as a trusted business partner to the Managing Director, balancing responsibilities in operational finance and business development. Mentor and lead finance team members, fostering a performance-driven, entrepreneurial culture. Engage with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks, investors, vendors, regulators, and BBBEE partners. Drive and support BBBEE compliance and transformation initiatives as a business enabler.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business. Professional qualification preferred: CIMA, CFA, or equivalent (CA not required).

Experience

:

Minimum 5 years in a senior management role, ideally within a dynamic, growth-driven environment. Strong background in management accounting and cost accounting. Proven track record in business development alongside financial leadership. Demonstrated success in managing complex business, regulatory, and stakeholder landscapes, including BBBEE.

Skills & Attributes:

Commercially astute with a strategic mindset. Exceptional financial analysis and decision-making skills. Strong negotiator and influencer. * Entrepreneurial, proactive, and hands-on.