Head of Finance – Lead Financial Strategy & Operations

About the role

As Head of Finance at Discover Africa Group, you will lead the financial management, reporting, control and commercial finance functions for a portfolio that includes luxury safaris, 4x4 hire and an online car‑rental comparison platform. Based in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, you will provide accurate, timely financial information to support strategic decision‑making and safeguard the Group’s cash flow and assets.

Key responsibilities

• Translate business strategy into financial plans, forecasts, budgets and commercial priorities.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on profitability, pricing, margins, investment decisions and cost management.
• Evaluate financial viability of new products, markets, suppliers and strategic projects.
• Support commercial negotiations with margin, cash‑flow, currency and scenario analysis.
• Lead the annual budgeting process across departments and business units.
• Maintain rolling revenue, margin, expense and cash‑flow forecasts.
• Develop financial models for demand changes, exchange rates, supplier pricing and operating costs.
• Track performance against budget and forecast, explain variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain reliable cash‑flow forecasts and ensure sufficient liquidity for payments, payroll, taxes and refunds.
• Monitor working capital, customer receipts, supplier payment timing and liquidity risks.
• Identify and manage foreign‑exchange exposure and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, refunds and reconciliations.

Required profile

• Proven senior finance leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, budgeting and cash‑flow management.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience partnering with department heads to improve financial ownership and forecasting accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen financial controls and ensure accurate reporting.

Required skills