Head of Finance – Farming

Work Amidst Nature in the Heart of the Winelands

Imagine starting your day with the sunrise over lush vineyards and the tranquillity of farm life. At Boschendal, the surroundings are not just a backdrop; they’re integral to our work and our inspiration. Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s golden triangle of wine country, our farm offers a unique escape from the hustle of city life. A Typical Day at Boschendal: Experience a different pace and setting of work life. Whether it’s walking among the vineyards, engaging with guests, or collaborating on a new project, every day here is a blend of meaningful work and the beauty of the natural landscape.

Our Purpose: Regenerating our Future & Soil

At Boschendal, our purpose is clear: to nurture the land, inspire our people, and strengthen our community. Guided by core values, we strive to offer something truly meaningful, from our regenerative practices to our dedication to artisanal craftsmanship.

Head of Finance – Farming

The Head of Finance, your role would be critical in overseeing the financial operations and ensuring the financial health and success of the organization. Your duties and responsibilities would encompass a wide range of tasks, including strategic planning, financial analysis, reporting, budgeting, and compliance.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDES BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Financial Planning and Budgeting:

• Creating comprehensive annual budgets that encompass various farming operations and activities.
• Aligning budgets with the farm’s production goals, crop cycles, and livestock management plans.

Cash Flow Management:

• Ensuring adequate cash flow for day-to-day farming operations, including purchasing supplies and paying labour.
• Managing cash flow fluctuations due to seasonal variations in revenue and expenses.
• Preparing a projection of expected cash inflows and outflows for the upcoming months.
• Highlighting any potential cash flow gaps or surpluses.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Generating monthly financial reports to provide insights into the farm’s financial health.
• Reviewing monthly each general ledger account with the operational teams and business head, investigating any unusual balances or entries, and making appropriate adjustments.
• Identifying expenses or revenues that should be accrued or deferred to the appropriate accounting periods.
• Approving journal entries for adjustments, accruals, deferrals and/or provisions.
• Overseeing, reviewing, and publishing timeously monthly management accounts including KPIs and management commentary.
• Reviewing income statement, balance sheet, cashflow, notes and recommending for approval the annual AFS.
• Analysing financial data to track costs, yields, and profitability across different crops and livestock.
• Reviewing allocation of shared costs, such as labour or supplies, to different areas of the farming business.
• Ensuring accurate cost allocation.
• Writing commentary explaining financial performance, variances, and key insights and providing recommendations for improving financial performance based on analysis.
• Presenting farming management accounts to relevant stakeholders, explaining findings and insights and addressing any questions or concerns raised during the review.

Cost Control and Optimization:

• Identifying opportunities to reduce operational costs while maintaining the quality of produce or livestock.
• Implementing efficient resource allocation strategies for equipment, fertilizers, and feed.
• Stock management
• Review expense accounts to ensure accurate coding and proper documentation.
• Approving purchase requisitions and payments where necessary.
• Analysing significant variances between actual and budgeted amounts, providing explanations for variances and identify potential corrective actions.
• Evaluating month-end close and management accounts processes for efficiency and accuracy and identifying areas for improvement, such as automation or streamlined procedures.

Revenue Diversification:

• Assessing the financial viability of diversification efforts.

Investment Decisions:

• Evaluating investments in new machinery, technology, irrigation systems etc.
• Conducting financial analysis to determine the return on investment for different agricultural ventures.

Financial Compliance and Regulations:

• Ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
• Managing the farming audit including liaison, planning and resolving any issues with the auditors.
• Ensuring that all financial records are organized and readily accessible for potential audits and addressing any recommendations or findings from previous audits.
• Managing periodic stock takes and resolving any issues.
• Reviewing and approving monthly reconciliations including A/R, A/P, Bank, inter-company, fixed asset, inventory, payroll, shared cost allocation and revenue reconciliations.

Risk Management:

• Developing strategies and interventions to mitigate t risks through for example insurance, hedging, or diversification.
• Submitting and overseeing farming insurance claims.

Strategic Financial Planning:

• Collaborating with agronomists and farm managers to align financial strategies with crop rotation plans and production targets.
• Providing financial insights to support decisions on crop selection, planting schedules, and harvesting cycles.

Farming Team Leadership and Management:

• Leading the Farming business, as the Head of Business.
• Leading the Farming finance team, if applicable, and ensuring proper training and development.
• Overseeing accounts payable, and other financial functions including group payroll.

External Farming Relationships:

• Interacting with banks, agricultural lenders, and potential investors for financing options.
• Maintaining relationships with suppliers, distributors, and buyers.

Technology Integration:

• Implementing and using technology for financial tracking, yield monitoring, and inventory management.
• Exploring precision agriculture tools for data-driven decision-making.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Analysing the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy solutions, water conservation efforts, and soil health investments.

Forecasting and Scenario Analysis:

• Developing financial forecasts considering variables like market trends, and crop performance.
• Conducting scenario analyses to plan for different outcomes and make informed decisions.

Capex Budgets:

• Drafting of capex budgets and long-term capex budgets (business plans).
• ROI, project viability, risk management.
• Monthly reporting on actual spend vs budget, report on overspend and underspend.
• Annual review of capex projects vs assumptions made.

REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS  

• Recognised Accounting qualifications – CA (SA,) or SAIPA, CIMA ACCA accreditation is essential.
• Employment Equity candidate is advantageous.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar position within the farming industry.
• Microsoft Office.
• Advanced Excel with a detailed knowledge of financial modelling, pivot tables, finance formula etc.
• Experience with Power BI as a reporting and dashboard tool.
• ERP Accounting systems experience (Business Central preferred).
• Excellent administrative skills.
• Excellent communication abilities and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently, understand pressure and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong financial acumen and excellent time management skills.
• Results driven with strong communication skills, proficient in presentation of information to others.
• A creative and innovative thinker
• Sector specific regulatory compliance (farming)