Senior Manager of Finance and Operations, Middle East & Africa

Comprehensive Job Advertisement Position Titles: Senior Manager of Finance and Operations, Middle East & Africa Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa (Open to candidates from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other major cities with hybrid work arrangements) Employment Type: Full-time Reports To: Founder Company Overview: Baobab Investment Research is a fund manager for a global value-oriented hedge fund, which invests for sophisticated, high-net worth and ultra-high net worth investors and institutions. Baobab has always followed a fundamental, bottom-up, value investment approach. We think and behave as owners of the businesses in which we invest. We spend no time forecasting macroeconomic variables, but rather look for a margin of safety and the opportunity to buy businesses at a meaningful discount to their intrinsic value. The company mainly outsources its operations, so the team currently consists of 9 people and is unlikely to be more than 10-12 people, 5 years from now. It is a flexible, highly specialized, small team environment where everyone has personal responsibility. Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager of Finance and Operations to drive our Middle East & Africa operations in a pivotal role. This senior position combines comprehensive financial management with operational oversight, reporting directly to the Founder. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing robust financial frameworks, ensuring compliance with local and international standards, driving operational excellence, and supporting the organization's strategic objectives while managing international financial complexities in a dynamic environment. This role ensures financial stability, operational efficiency, and adherence to regulatory requirements while providing strategic direction for both financial operations and day-to-day business activities Key Responsibilities: Financial Management and Strategic Direction: Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, analysis, and cash management to promote organizational sustainability and growth Oversee preparation of comprehensive financial statements monthly and annually in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Develop and implement financial policies , procedures, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions with focus on optimization and risk management Coordinate annual audit processes and liaise with external auditors and advisors as necessary Ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi financial regulations, South African tax requirements, and international standards Provide strategic financial and tax analysis and insights to support decision-making and deliver comprehensive reports to the Founder and senior leadership Operations Management and Oversight: Lead operational strategy and process optimization initiatives across all business functions Oversee day-to-day operations of the South Africa office Manage vendor relationships and procurement processes to ensure cost efficiency and quality Implement and maintain operational policies and procedures to optimize business processes Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost efficiencies, and technological enhancements Strategic Planning and Business Development: Collaborate with the Founder on strategic financial planning and business development initiatives Identify and evaluate new business opportunities and investment proposals Assess and manage financial risks across all operations with comprehensive risk mitigation strategies Support strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's mission, including resource allocation and risk assessment What We Offer: Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications Fund investment scheme medium and long term retirement scheme in our fund Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support Flexible working arrangements with consideration for remote work options and hybrid arrangements Direct reporting relationship to the Founder with significant autonomy and influence Opportunity to shape the financial and operational strategy of our Middle East and African operations Career advancement potential within a growing, mission-oriented organization Application Process To Apply: Please submit your comprehensive application including: 1. Detailed curriculum vitae with employment history and achievements 2. Cover letter explaining your interest, relevant experience, and alignment with the role 3. Certified copies of qualifications and professional certifications 4. References - contact details for three professional references 5. Salary expectations and availability date Application Instructions: Submit all materials to riona@baobab-ir.com "Senior Manager of Finance and Operations" as the subject line Additional Note Very important Please include in your cover letter your answers to the following three questions. Please note if your cover letter is not exactly one page long and you do not answer the three questions then we will not read your CV. If you won a Million Dollars, how would you spend it? How long have you lived in {Your Town} and why do you live there? What does it mean for you to trust somebody? Preferred Candidate Profile: We particularly encourage applications from candidates with: Trust accounting and administration experience Compliance knowledge and experience International accounting standards expertise Big Four audit firm background Multi-jurisdictional financial management experience Strong leadership track record in finance roles Experience overseeing operations in a South African office or similar regional setting This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior finance professional to drive our Middle Eastern African operations and make a significant impact on our organization's continued growth and success in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment. Qualifications and Education Requirements Essential Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field Professional accounting qualification such as Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in senior finance roles Minimum 5 years of management or leadership experience in finance and operations Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), or related field Additional certifications such as CFA, CFM, or CMA Post-graduate qualifications in specialized areas Essential Experience: Strong accounting knowledge and experience with comprehensive understanding of international accounting principles/standards and proven experience managing complex financial systems Audit experience - minimum 3 years in public practice or corporate audit environment, including leading internal and external audits International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) expertise and application Trust accounting and administration experience highly advantageous Multi-entity operations and consolidation experience Financial modeling and reporting with proven track record South African Specific Requirements: Thorough understanding of South African tax legislation and compliance requirements Knowledge of Companies Act requirements and corporate governance Familiarity with South African Accounting Standards and regulatory framework Experience with SARS compliance and VAT administration Understanding of South African regulatory frameworks in a multinational context Key Competencies and Skills Technical Skills: Advanced financial analysis and modeling capabilities Budgeting and forecasting expertise Risk management and internal controls Financial reporting and presentation skills Tax planning and compliance knowledge Treasury management and cash flow optimization Trust administration and fiduciary management Leadership and Management: Strategic thinking and business acumen Team leadership and development capabilities Change management and process improvement Stakeholder management and communication Project management and implementation skills Personal Attributes: High integrity and ethical standards with commitment to organizational values Attention to detail and accuracy Analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments Collaborative approach and team orientation Superior communication and interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with stakeholders Software and Systems Experience: Financial Software: Advanced Excel and financial modeling tools Accounting Software: QuickBooks, or similar accounting systems Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite , particularly Excel Proficiency in AI

Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA

Posted Date: 8/13/2025