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.