Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a
Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
Client is the South African subsidiary of a global renewable energy company. South Africa represents the group’s most dynamic market outside Europe, with ~47 staff and a 10GW portfolio spanning wind, PV, battery, and hydrogen projects.
The South African business is entering an exciting transition from development focused into commercialization, and operations focused – a stage that requires enhanced financial discipline and stronger systems. The Head of Finance currently oversees both financial controlling and project finance, supported by a team that is in the process of being strengthened. Systems and processes (accounting, payroll, internal controls) are being updated and improved, creating an opportunity to embed best practice from the ground up.
Client now seeks an experienced finance professional to support and elevate the financial controlling function, embed additional systems and controls, and mentor junior staff.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Senior Finance Consultant – Financial Controlling
Direct Report: Head of Finance, South Africa
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Financial control & reporting
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Prepare and enhance the monthly, quarterly, and annual management reporting documents.
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Prepare accurate and timely management accounts, financial statements, and variance analyses.
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Prepare robust budgeting and forecasting documents aligned with project and corporate needs.
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Oversee cost allocation and cost control processes to ensure financial discipline across the business.
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Coordinate audit processes (internal and external) and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Systems & processes
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Support the design and roll-out of a migration to a new accounting and payroll system.
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Develop, document, and embed financial policies and procedures.
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Establish and maintain a robust internal control environment (segregation of duties, reconciliations, approvals).
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Ensure effective integration between finance systems and project/operations platforms.
Cash flow & treasury
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Monitor and forecast cash flow, ensuring sufficient liquidity to support operations and projects.
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Oversee treasury functions including payments, reconciliations, and bank relationships.
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Implement cash management practices to improve working capital efficiency.
Compliance & risk management
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Ensure compliance with South African tax, payroll, and statutory obligations.
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Identify, monitor, and mitigate financial risks (compliance, operational, currency).
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Liaise with regulators, auditors, and advisors to address financial or compliance issues.
Team management & capability building
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Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff and wider team interacting with the finance team
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Develop staff capability to sustain processes and systems independently.
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Support recruitment and onboarding of additional finance staff as the team expands.
Business partnering & change management
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Provide financial insights and decision support to the Head of Finance and broader leadership.
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Partner with operations and development teams to improve costing, budgeting, and financial oversight.
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Drive change management in a growth-stage environment, embedding structure and discipline into the finance function.
Requirements
Experience Required:
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5+ years’ relevant finance experience in manufacturing or process-driven sectors, with emphasis on financial controlling and audit.
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Proven track record in designing and implementing financial systems and internal controls.
Technical Requirements:
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CIMA registration required; other professional qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CA(SA)) considered advantageous.
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Strong skills in budgeting, cost control, management accounting, and internal controls.
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Ability to set up and embed new systems (accounting, payroll).
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Exposure to treasury and audit functions.
Soft skills:
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Resilient and adaptable in growth-stage, high-change environments.
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Proactive, hands-on problem solver with a strong bias for execution.
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Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and build trust across senior leadership and junior teams.
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Collaborative team player who can mentor, coach, and elevate the performance of others.
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Strong integrity and professionalism, with the judgment to balance detail orientation and big-picture priorities.
Working Arrangement
Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg preferred; hybrid (3 days office per week).
Travel requirements: Not significant
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contracting Period: 6–9 months fixed-term to set up systems and controls, with option to transition permanent.
