Finance Lead

Job Purpose

To lead the on-site finance function and ensure accurate financial reporting, cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements. The Finance Lead provides financial support to operations, engineering, supply chain, and senior site management to drive cost efficiency, ensure governance, and support the mine's production and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

Manage full month-end close process for the site.

Prepare financial statements, cost reports, and reconciliations.

Ensure compliance with:

• IFRS / IAS standards
• Corporate finance policies
• Tax, audit, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain robust internal controls and ensure audit readiness.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead the preparation of:

• Annual budgets
• Quarterly forecasts
• Life-of-mine (LOM) operating cost models
• Work closely with site leadership to align financial plans with operational goals.
• Provide variance analysis and identify cost improvement opportunities.

Cost Control & Operational Support

• Monitor and analyse:
• Mining costs
• Processing plant costs (crushing, milling, flotation)
• Maintenance and engineering spend
• Overheads and G&A
• Track cost per tonne metrics and advise operational leaders on deviations.
• Provide financial insights to support decision-making.

Procurement, Supply Chain & Contracting Support

Work with supply chain and procurement teams to:

• Validate supplier pricing
• Review contracts and service agreements
• Monitor inventory valuation and stock variances
• Ensure correct financial classification for capex vs. opex purchases.

Capital Projects & Asset Management

• Review project proposals, cost justifications, and return-on-investment calculations.
• Oversee capital expenditure tracking and reporting.
• Ensure accuracy of the asset register and depreciation schedules.

Governance, Controls & Risk Management

• Enforce financial controls across:
• Purchasing
• Stores and inventory
• Payroll and overtime
• Cost allocations
• Conduct internal control assessments and mitigate financial risks.
• Oversee compliance with corporate governance frameworks.

Leadership & Team Coordination

Supervise site-based finance team:

• Cost accountants
• Accounts clerks
• Payroll administrators
• Provide mentoring, development, and performance management.
• Lead daily/weekly finance meetings and cross-functional cost reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with:

• Mine manager & operational leadership
• Engineering, maintenance, geology & metallurgy teams
• Supply chain & commercial teams
• External auditors and corporate finance

• Provide clear financial communication and insights at management forums.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Solid knowledge of:

• IFRS reporting
• Mining cost structures (processing, mining, maintenance)
• Cost accounting and financial modelling
• Capex tracking & asset management
• Financial controls and auditing
• Proficient in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Pronto, JD Edwards, etc.).
• Strong Excel/BI tools capability (Power BI advantageous).

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and report-writing ability.
• High attention to detail and financial accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Leadership presence and ability to influence non-financial stakeholders.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and governance discipline.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or Commerce.
• 5–7 years' experience in financial management or cost accounting.
• Experience in mining, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of cost control and site operational finance.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel.

Preferred

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or CIMA qualification.
• Experience specifically in zinc, base metals, or mineral processing.
• Familiarity with Life-of-Mine financial modelling.
• Experience in internal/external audit environments.
• Exposure to IFRS 6 and mining project accounting.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of month-end reporting.
• Budget and forecast accuracy.
• Cost per tonne performance and cost-saving initiatives.
• Audit compliance and internal control maturity.
• Capex management and financial governance.
• Team performance, development, and process efficiency.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and quality of financial insights.