The South African National Parks (SANParks) is seeking a dynamic, visionary and highly skilled Chartered Accountant to serve as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on a five-year fixed-term contract. This role calls for an individual with the passion, expertise and leadership capacity to guide the organisation’s financial strategy and ensure full compliance with national legislation and governance standards. The CFO will champion world-class financial management practices across SANParks, overseeing statutory reporting obligations and broader financial operations to support the organisation in delivering on its conservation mandate.
The successful appointee will be responsible for ensuring adherence to key regulatory frameworks, including the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Procurement Regulations, and Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) standards, as well as any additional legislation that imposes financial duties on the organisation. A critical focus of the position is the design and execution of long-term funding and financing strategies that secure sustainable revenue streams for SANParks, enabling it to operate effectively both now and into the future.
This position will be based at Groenkloof, Pretoria, within the SANParks Head Office, and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Because of the strategic nature of the job, the CFO will be expected to travel when necessary and must therefore hold a valid driver’s licence. Excellent teamwork capabilities, strong interpersonal communication, advanced problem-solving ability, and effective networking skills are fundamental qualities for success in this role. In accordance with the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS), the appointment will be subject to a comprehensive vetting and verification process.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with Honours or an equivalent postgraduate qualification, and be registered as a Chartered Accountant (SA) with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration (MBA), or a related field, will be considered an added advantage, although it is not strictly required.
Candidates must possess 10 to 12 years of experience at executive level within a financial environment, including at least five years in senior or executive management. They should demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the PFMA and associated governance regulations, applicable accounting standards, and supply chain management legislation, including BBBEE and PPPFA frameworks. Strong technical knowledge of financial management, auditing processes, budgeting, revenue planning, and organisational risk management is essential.
Equally important are strong leadership attributes, proven organisational management capability, advanced analytical skills, and a deep comfort working with financial data and complex numerical information. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with an ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Additional Knowledge Areas Considered Beneficial
Expertise in any of the following fields will be viewed as advantageous:
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macro-economic environments and trends
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conservation and tourism industry dynamics
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project management practices
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human resource management principles
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information technology literacy and systems awareness
Key Responsibilities
Serving as the CFO in terms of the PFMA, the incumbent will report to both the CEO and the Board of SANParks. Core responsibilities will include leading the development and implementation of comprehensive financial sustainability strategies, implementing robust financial controls, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and overseeing the compilation of Annual Financial Statements.
The CFO will direct the preparation and monitoring of the finance division’s business plan, drive organisational efficiency, and identify commercially viable opportunities for revenue growth. They will ensure that SANParks complies fully with all relevant legislation and governance standards while proactively managing financial and operational risk.
Leadership of the finance team will be a central component of the position, including talent development, performance management, and the creation of a high-performing professional environment. The successful candidate will also cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders.
In addition, the CFO will supervise supply chain management processes, play an integral role in the Audit and Risk Committee, oversee internal and external audit activities, guide budget planning and revenue management, and spearhead financial resource mobilisation across the organisation. Strategic oversight will extend to areas such as leases, assets, payroll administration, insurance arrangements, retirement funds, and expenditure control.
Application Process
Interested applicants who meet the stated criteria are invited to submit a comprehensive application package. This should include a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, and certified copies of academic qualifications and a valid Identity Document (with certification not older than three months). Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit evaluation results issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Applications should be directed to the Human Resources Division, South African National Parks, either via postal delivery or email, using the contact details provided in the original advertisement.
SANParks upholds principles of employment equity, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The organisation reserves the right not to fill the post. Should applicants not receive a response within 21 days after the closing date, they may consider the application unsuccessful.
Closing Date
19 January 2026
The South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced professionals to apply for the position of Head: Business Development within the Tourism and Marketing Division. This strategic leadership role is offered on a five-year fixed-term contract and will be based at Groenkloof National Park in Pretoria, the organisation’s head office. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping, driving, and overseeing SANParks’ commercialisation initiatives, with the goal of strengthening income generation, enhancing tourism offerings, and supporting long-term organisational sustainability.
This position is critical to SANParks’ broader mandate of conservation, responsible tourism, and economic development. The Head: Business Development will lead efforts to develop innovative business models, identify growth opportunities, and structure commercial partnerships that advance both financial returns and public value. The role requires a forward-thinking leader who is equally comfortable with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial analysis, and deal structuring in complex environments.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Corporate Finance, Business Administration or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree in any of these fields will be considered highly advantageous and is regarded as desirable for the level of strategic decision-making required.
Candidates must have 10–12 years of general management experience, with at least five years at senior management level. They should also have a minimum of five years’ experience in commercial deal structuring, gained in either the public or private sector. Proven experience in business feasibility analysis for a minimum of five years is required, together with at least two years’ exposure to commercial contract management and legal environments.
Applicants must demonstrate strong knowledge of investment evaluation, deal structuring processes, and capital funding mechanisms. A solid foundation in strategic planning, as well as expertise in financial management, project management, and change or diversity management, is essential. The role also requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound leadership capability, effective conflict management ability, and confidence in functioning within a matrix organisational environment.
An understanding of the tourism and conservation sectors is important, as the position operates at the intersection of environmental stewardship and commercial enterprise. The ideal candidate is someone who can balance developmental impact with financial sustainability and who appreciates the unique dynamics of parks, protected areas, hospitality, and tourism partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
The Head: Business Development will be responsible for crafting and executing an ambitious and forward-looking commercialisation vision for SANParks. This will involve identifying and developing short-, medium-, and long-term revenue-generating initiatives, particularly within the tourism business landscape. The role requires the ability to think creatively about new products, services, concessions, partnerships, and investment opportunities that support economic growth while aligning with the organisation’s conservation values.
A central component of the position involves implementing and closely monitoring SANParks’ commercialisation strategy in accordance with both internal organisational priorities and the regulatory requirements of National Treasury. The incumbent will lead negotiations on essential commercial terms, including valuation models, deal structuring, and financial frameworks for public–private partnership (PPP) tourism transactions.
The Head: Business Development must ensure that agreements and transactions undertaken by SANParks are financially viable, commercially competitive, and legally compliant. This includes responsibility for the technical, financial, and legal management of all PPP projects from conception through to implementation and performance monitoring.
Relationship management will be another vital area of focus. The successful candidate will build and sustain strong networks with key internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, private sector investors, tourism operators, conservation partners, and community stakeholders. These relationships must be managed at a strategic level to achieve mutual benefit and support collaborative development.
The role also carries responsibility for leading and developing human capital within the business development function. This includes guiding teams, fostering professional growth, promoting high performance, and ensuring alignment to organisational objectives. The incumbent will further be expected to help maintain SANParks’ reputation as a national leader in tourism PPP initiatives, contributing thought leadership and innovation within this specialised arena.
Additional Information
Applicants who do not receive a response within 21 days after the closing date may assume that their application was unsuccessful. SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment should suitable candidates not be identified or organisational needs change.
Remuneration
The total remuneration package for this role falls within the range of R1 795 710.00 to R2 693 565.00, reflective of the seniority and strategic importance of the position.
Application Process
Individuals who meet the minimum criteria are invited to submit an application, including:
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a comprehensive cover letter
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a detailed Curriculum Vitae
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certified copies of qualifications
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a certified Identity Document (certified within the last three months)
Candidates with foreign qualifications must include an evaluation report issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Applications may be submitted by post, fax, or email to the Human Resources Division of South African National Parks using the contact details listed in the original vacancy notice.
Closing Date
20 January 2026