Finance Operations Director

What you’ll be responsible for:

Investment & Client Money Operations

• Own the full lifecycle of client investments, from inflow to deployment, administration, reporting, distributions, and exits
• Ensure accurate execution of investments, liquidations, fees, and scheduled payments across multiple asset classes
• Maintain a clear view of the investment pipeline and accountability for successful deployment

Controls, Risk & Regulatory Operations

• Take day‑to‑day ownership of client money processes, including reconciliations, exception management, and audit trails
• Design and maintain a robust operational control framework
• Act as the key operational contact for auditors and regulatory stakeholders
• Work closely with Compliance and Finance leadership to ensure regulatory alignment

Scale, Systems & Infrastructure

• Build and document operational playbooks that are clear, auditable, and scalable
• Identify bottlenecks and lead improvements in systems, tools, and workflows
• Partner with engineering teams on internal platforms and new product launches
• Use technology and AI tooling thoughtfully to improve accuracy and efficiency

Leadership

• Lead and develop a small but critical finance operations team
• Set standards, manage SLAs, and build capability as the business grows
• Be a trusted partner to senior leadership, contributing to strategic decisions

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in regulated financial services, asset management, or similar environments
• Strong operational, audit, or control‑focused background
• Experience building and scaling processes - not just running them
• Exceptionally detail‑oriented, commercially aware, and resilient under pressure
• Comfortable operating across global teams and different working cultures
• Low‑ego, direct communicator with a proactive, ownership mindset
• Tech‑literate and curious, with a practical approach to automation and AI

Personal Attributes

• Deep respect for stewardship of investor capital and operational integrity
• High attention to detail and disciplined approach to controls and governance
• Ability to operate calmly and credibly at senior level
• Values‑driven, humble and collaborative leadership style
• Appreciation for faith‑aligned or ethical financial services environments

Location & Working Model

• Hybrid role based in Cape Town
• Regular interaction with colleagues in the UK and Middle East

Qualification:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA), ACA or equivalent), ideally with Big 4 training or a strong consulting background with financial services exposure