Head of finance

ZEISS is technology and innovation. Founded in Germany in 1846, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries across 50 countries.

As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is committed to responsibility in all its activities. As a pioneer in scientific optics, our employees across the globe continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, ZEISS creates value for its customers and helps shape new ways of seeing the world.

We’re looking for a Head of Finance to join us in Randburg, South Africa. Join our South African business and help shape the financial and operational foundations for sustainable growth. Working closely with local leaders and international colleagues, you will support our business operations and contribute to our expansion across Africa.

Your Role

Reporting to the Managing Director and working as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead our financial operations alongside facilities, logistics and warehouse management. You will combine strategic insight with practical leadership to strengthen financial performance, improve operational efficiency and support responsible growth.

The role of Head of Finance will involve:

• Leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis, identifying opportunities to optimise costs and support expansion into new markets and services.
• Overseeing financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, VAT and income tax reviews, and external audits. You will present financial insights during quarterly Board calls and monthly business unit reviews.
• Managing cash flow, liquidity and treasury activities to support operational needs, strategic investment and financial risk mitigation.
• Taking ownership of the SAP ERP system and improving financial systems, internal controls, governance and administrative processes through technology and automation.
• Partnering with leaders across the business, providing clear analysis and insight to guide decisions, improve productivity and enable growth.
• Overseeing logistics and warehouse operations, including transportation, shipping, receiving, inventory control, order fulfilment and distribution. You will manage budgets, supplier relationships and performance to deliver efficient, reliable and compliant operations.
• Managing facilities, property leases, maintenance, renovations and capital expenditure, while maintaining health, safety and environmental standards and overseeing electricity and water reporting.
• Coordinating legal and compliance matters with external legal counsel, including tenders, contract reviews, negotiations and regulatory requirements. You will also strengthen contract management practices across the business.
• Acting as Export Control Manager, overseeing sanctions screening, blocked orders, cross-border deliveries, export licences and supporting documentation. You will advise colleagues, coordinate with trade compliance specialists and stop transactions where export compliance is uncertain. Where applicable, this includes coordinating export control requirements for digital business activities.
• Leading quarterly risk reviews, maintaining the annual risk inventory and submitting risk reports within required deadlines, with prompt escalation of significant risks to the Managing Director and Group Risk Management.
• Supporting the financial administration and legal aspects of the SSC Africa expansion project, working closely with project teams.
• Leading and developing the finance and logistics teams, promoting collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement while demonstrating ZEISS leadership principles and our Code of Conduct.

Your Experience

A Chartered Accountant (South Africa) qualification: CA(SA).

A minimum of five years’ experience in a senior finance role, including experience working with multinational companies.

Strong knowledge of IFRS, tax regulations and internal control systems, supported by sound financial planning, reporting and cash management expertise.

Experience in risk management and mitigation, together with experience in facilities, logistics and warehouse management.

Proven leadership skills, with the ability to develop teams and build trusted relationships across functions.

Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate financial information into clear recommendations.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside strong negotiation, project management and change management capabilities.

Confidence using financial systems and technology to improve processes and efficiency.

A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

Sound judgement and a strong commitment to ethical conduct.

It would be desirable if you had:

• An MBA.
• Experience within the medical technology sector.

Apply now to take the next step in joining ZEISS, where you can push technological boundaries, shape markets and contribute to the advancement of society.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Joe Taroni, Maite Nomthandaso Makgai