Strategic Project Executive CA(SA) for National Retail Group in Durban
Saflin Consulting · Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Overview
A national retail group is looking for a qualified CA(SA) to step out of audit or practice and into a commercial strategy role in Durban. You will work directly with senior leadership on business cases, financial models, cost optimisation and high impact projects across finance, operations and supply chain. This is a permanent, full time opportunity for someone who passed both SAICA board exams on the first attempt and wants real exposure to executive decision making.
About the role
This is a strategic project role inside a well established national retail and food business, based in Durban. The company is looking for a Chartered Accountant who is ready to move from professional practice into a commercial environment and work closely with senior executives on projects that shape how the business grows and operates.
You will be part of a small, high visibility team that supports strategic initiatives across departments. Expect to spend your time building financial models, developing business cases, analysing commercial performance and helping leadership make informed decisions about cost, profitability and operational efficiency.
What the role offers:
- Direct exposure to senior executive leadership and strategic decision making
- A genuine bridge from audit or practice into commerce and industry
- High impact projects across a national retail business
- Broad commercial, financial and operational exposure
- Room for long term professional and leadership development
Important note: This role requires a qualified CA(SA) who passed both SAICA board examinations, ITC and APC, on the first attempt. This requirement is non negotiable. Completed SAICA articles are also essential.
Requirements
- Qualified Chartered Accountant CA(SA) is essential
- Must have passed both SAICA board examinations, ITC and APC, on the first attempt. This is non negotiable
- Completed SAICA articles
- Strong financial analysis, reporting and commercial acumen
- Excellent analytical, problem solving and strategic thinking skills
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modelling capabilities
- Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work closely with senior executives
- Proactive, results driven and commercially focused
- Previous industry experience is advantageous but not essential
Responsibilities
- Drive and coordinate strategic business projects across multiple departments
- Conduct financial and commercial analysis to support executive decision making
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, profitability improvement and operational efficiency
- Develop business cases, feasibility studies and financial models for strategic initiatives
- Monitor project budgets, timelines, performance and deliverables
- Analyse business performance and provide actionable recommendations to senior management
- Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain and other functions
- Prepare strategic reports, presentations and performance dashboards
- Identify business risks and implement practical improvement initiatives
- Support business transformation, process improvement and growth strategies
Job details
- Organisation
- Saflin Consulting
- Location
- Durban, KwaZulu Natal
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid
- Education
- Postgraduate diploma
- Category
- Accounting & Finance
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This one is aimed squarely at newly qualified CAs who want to move into commerce rather than stay in practice. The first attempt pass on both ITC and APC is a hard filter here, so make that impossible to miss on your CV, ideally in your profile summary and again under your qualifications.
When you apply, lead with the commercial side of your articles. Mention any exposure to financial modelling, business cases, cost reviews or project work, even if it was small. Retail experience is a bonus, not a must, so don't talk yourself out of applying if your background is audit or professional services.
For an interview, expect questions that test how you think about a business problem, not just how you apply a standard. Be ready to walk through a model or analysis you built and explain the decisions it supported. Show that you are curious about operations, not only about numbers.
How we help you prepare
This employer takes applications on their own website, so you'll submit this one yourself — but SPAAN NOW gets everything ready for you first. Here's how it works:
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