Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
As a highly experienced FD/CFO, I optimise business profitability, productivity and growth while overseeing full financial functions as well as risk management, corporate finance, strategic planning, FP&A, treasury and project management. My industry experience spans manufacturing, FMCG, metals and engineering; including transformation of business and culture. I lead in strategic thinking on capital expenditure, business partnering (FP&A), hedging & funding. I excel in managing and developing large teams and supporting senior decision making through accurate and complete reporting (IFRS) and financial forecasting. Although now resident in the UK with the full right to work: My most recent role in strategic planning and decision making was with Hulamin Limited, a Johannesburg Securities Exchange listed group with 1800 employees and a £620 million annual turnover (50% exported). I have been a Divisional Finance Director, Acting CFO, Group Finance Controller/Manager and Treasurer. I have design and lead product range reviews that improve ROI and I set new minimum product prices to meet benchmark return criteria. I champion continuous improvement by identifying and implementing key operational innovation. I overhaul department structures to enhance business partnering and I restructure funding including identifying new funding partners. My commitment to embracing exciting opportunities, along with my flexibility and years of experience, enables me to adapt quickly and succeed in new environments.
I have been involved in FP&A, strategic planning and decision making for this Johannesburg Securities Exchange listed manufacturing group with 1800 employees and a ZAR12 billion annual turnover of which 50% is exported. Highlights are overseeing the Group Project/Programme Management Office to ensure compliance with project scopes, timelines and cost budgets, substantially evolving and implementing the Group strategy in collaboration with the Group CEO as well as establishing a Results Driven Office to effectively prioritise, accelerate and align projects with the evolving group strategy and long-term business objectives (M&A, and financial planninig/forecasting/budgeting). In this role I improve business performance, profitability and development through advanced corporate structuring, acquisition and disposal activity (transformation). I oversee comprehensive profit and cash flow enhancement through product and market rationalisation and expansion and I promote continuous development, innovation and change by creating and implementing key operational improvements.
In addition to my obligations in my role as Finance Director – Rolled Products listed below, I headed the Finance function, consolidated performance and results for Hulamin Operations (Pty) Limited, which houses the Rolled Products Division and owns all the shares in the Hulamin Extrusions and Hulamin Containers subsidiaries. The role includes FP&A, treasury, M&A, transformation, governance and risk management. Divisional strategy, budgeting and forecasting were also central.
I was recognised for my expertise and knowledge shown during my previous positions and selected to be Acting CFO, overseeing the full financial account responsibility in addition to my obligations listed in the position below. I also established a robust internal controls and audit framework by detecting deficient controls and non-compliance with regulations and policies and continuously adhering to all International Financial Reporting Standards and associated audit. Furthermore, I presented annual results to shareholders, funders and financial journalists.
My successes: - Restructuring group funding through innovative strategies as well as designing and implementing new processes, information systems and full risk hedging program - Fulfilling additional tasks in the absence of the CFO, including positively influencing senior decision making of the Executive Committee and coordinating authorisations and credit control - Maintaining positive relationships with customers and suppliers by taking the lead financial role on pricing and terms of business for relationships with BHP Billiton and Nampak and negotiating most favourable contract terms - Being a member of the pension fund conversion team and of unbundling from Tongaat and separate JSE listing team - Overseeing full financial function for the largest division representing 90% of turnover and profits - Restructuring funding into a structured commodity trade finance solution with local and international banks, including designing, negotiating and tendering, funding facilities across several banks totalling over R1,2 billion and managing bank relationships - Mitigating risks for export proceeds of over R4 billion, currency hedge book exceeding USD200 million at any point in time and commodity hedge book exceeding 30 000 tons at any point in time In this role I oversaw cash flow forecasting, reporting, audits, budgets, stock valuation and strategic planning encompassing supply, business planning, funding, hedging and IT. I ensured accurate reporting to the Board and Executive Committee, including forecasts and results, funding structuring, hedging strategy, multi-year business plans and annual budgets. I coordinated product costing, currency and commodity price net exposures and reporting during information system design, integration and implementation. Furthermore, I oversaw risk management, regulated financial control and identified discrepancies through funding and cash management as well as exploring alternative funding options.