South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.

Our Corporate Functions team is the “enablement engine” of South Pole. Behind the scenes, we provide the business with world-class solutions and best practices that sustain business growth and success. We cover key areas such as Finance, HR, Office Management, Legal, IT, Operations, etc. If you are a smart, ambitious and dynamic professional with a strong passion to make a real difference in the fight against climate change, the below position may be right for you!

Job summary:

• The Treasury / Banking Senior Specialist will be responsible for the management and oversight of the company’s treasury operations, including cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, and working capital management. This role will involve collating all bank balances at least weekly, maintaining a 13-week rolling cash forecast, tracking metrics related to Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR), rationalizing the number of bank accounts across the group and reducing the number of banking relationships, together with managing the group's borrowings, and supporting the Group Reporting team on other tasks. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience of managing and forecasting cash, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

Banking Management:

• Collate and report all bank balances at least weekly, ensuring accurate and timely information.

• Rationalize the number of bank accounts across the group, streamlining operations and reducing complexity.

• Reduce the number of banking relationships, negotiating optimal terms and conditions.

• Manage relationships with banks and other financial institutions, ensuring optimal service and conditions.

• Move funds between entities to manage liquidity across the group.

• Manage the currencies held by the group, ensuring efficient currency conversions to meet the group’s needs.

• Monitor and manage the company’s bank accounts, ensuring adequate liquidity and compliance with banking agreements.

Cash Flow Forecasting:

• Maintain a 13-week rolling cash forecast, updating weekly to reflect actual cash flows and anticipated changes.

• Compare actual spend against forecast, identifying variances, seeking explanations from business stakeholders, and recommending actions to mitigate cash flow risks.

• Challenge business stakeholders on their working capital management to ensure realistic and optimal forecasting.

• Use critical judgement to assess and adjust forecasts provided by the business before aggregating into the group position.

• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management on cash flow management and improvement opportunities.

Working Capital Management:

• Track and analyze metrics related to Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable to ensure efficient working capital management.

• Collaborate with AP and AR teams to optimize payment terms, improve cash conversion cycles, and reduce working capital requirements.

• Prepare regular reports on working capital performance, highlighting key trends and areas for improvement.

Borrowings and Debt Management:

• Manage the group’s borrowings, ensuring optimal use of credit facilities.

• Calculate interest on borrowings and ensure accurate recording and reporting.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with loan covenants, preparing regular compliance reports for senior management.

• Negotiate and manage loan agreements and related documentation.

Foreign Exchange Management:

• Identify the exposure and quantify the currency risk by analyzing transactions, contracts and financial statements

• Propose hedging strategies such as natural hedging and forward contracts

• Develop and implement an fx management policy that outlines the objectives, risk tolerance, and approved hedging instruments and strategies

• Maintain relationships with banks to execute forward currency contracts efficiently

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Prepare regular and ad-hoc financial reports for senior management, providing clear and concise analysis of cash flow and working capital metrics.

• Support financial planning and analysis activities as needed, including budgeting and forecasting processes.

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures related to treasury and cash management activities.

Group Reporting Support:

• Review financial submissions from different finance teams to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Ensure balance sheet control and integrity, performing regular reconciliations and reviews of cash and working capital items.

• Contribute to the preparation of annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards.

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management reporting, providing analysis and insights to support decision-making.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of cash flow forecasting and working capital management.

• Stay informed of best practices and emerging trends in treasury management and recommend changes as appropriate.

Requirements:

• Professional qualification (e.g., ACCA / CIMA) preferred; candidates with equivalent experience in the relevant field will also be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in treasury management, banking, or a related financial role.

• Strong understanding of cash flow forecasting, working capital management, financial analysis, and debt management.

• Excellent Excel skills are a requirement.

• Knowledge of Alteryx will be highly beneficial.

• Proficiency in other financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization and external partners.

What we offer:

At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation.

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make and South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

Department

Corporate Services

Locations

Cape Town

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