Financial Director

For this particular role, our client is an investment company with a wide range of businesses in Hospitality and Food & Beverage. The company is seeking a skilled and experienced Financial Director to join our team.

As a Financial Director, you will lead the financial function of the venture, including overseeing a team of Financial Controllers managing the day-to-day financial operations of the portfolio companies. You will be responsible for implementing and overseeing financial strategies, ensuring compliance, providing actionable insights to the executive team, and driving profitability and scalability across the group.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Strategic Financial Leadership:
• Develop and execute the financial strategy for the group, ensuring alignment with the overall business objectives,
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making and business growth,
• Identify opportunities to optimize financial performance and implement best-in-class financial practices across all companies;
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Oversee, mentor, and support a team of Financial Controllers, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability,
• Build the capacity of the financial team to scale alongside the businesses as they grow;
• Budgeting, Forecasting, and Performance Management:
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process across the group, ensuring clarity, alignment, and precision,
• Monitor financial performance, conduct variance analysis, and present actionable insights to the leadership team,
• Drive profitability by identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement across portfolio companies;
• Cash Flow and Working Capital Management
• Oversee cash flow management across the group, ensuring liquidity and optimal allocation of resources,
• Provide oversight on working capital requirements and capital allocation strategies to support growth initiatives;
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Investor Relations:
• Support due diligence and financial integration for new acquisitions within the portfolio,
• Prepare reports and presentations for investors, ensuring transparency and trust in financial performance and growth.

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

As an ideal candidate, you must have the following:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior financial roles, preferably within venture capital, private equity, or high-growth industries,
• Deep understanding of financial management within Hospitality and Food & Beverage sectors,
• A track record of managing and mentoring financial teams, driving performance, and building strong, collaborative cultures,
• Strong ability to link financial strategies to operational and strategic goals,
• Expertise in financial systems (e.g., Xero, Dext) and tools, with a deep understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements,
• Exceptional ability to analyse financial data, create actionable insights, and support strategic decision-making,
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in English.

Benefits

On our side, we offer…

• a leadership role in shaping the financial future of a dynamic, high-growth portfolio,
• exposure to a diverse range of businesses in the Hospitality and Food & Beverage industries,
• opportunities to work closely with founders, executives, and investors,
• a vibrant office space in Cape Town and a flexible work environment (hybrid work) with occasional trips to our client in the UK,
• a comprehensive compensation package.