Head of Finance - R&D

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Head of Finance - R&D based in South Africa.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on finance leader to oversee the financial and banking infrastructure of a portfolio of fast-growing international technology businesses.
In this role, you will shape a multi-jurisdictional banking network, strengthen payment operations, and manage complex treasury activities across multiple entities.
You will drive liquidity management, optimize foreign exchange and transaction costs, and ensure reliable cross-border financial flows.
Working closely with founders and senior leaders, you will contribute to financial strategy, business performance, and investment decisions.
You will also build scalable treasury and finance processes from the ground up while developing a high-performing operational team.
This is an opportunity to take full ownership of a complex financial ecosystem and support the growth of ambitious digital businesses in a dynamic, international environment.

Accountabilities

As Head of Finance - R&D, you will lead the development and management of the financial infrastructure, treasury operations, and banking partnerships supporting international technology businesses. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Banking and Payment Infrastructure

  • Design and implement a flexible, multi-jurisdictional banking network for international digital businesses operating under demanding compliance requirements.

  • Identify, negotiate with, and onboard strategic financial partners, including leading banks, Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), Payment Service Providers (PSPs), custodians, and financial platforms.

  • Negotiate favorable commercial terms, including transaction fees, payment terms, foreign exchange rates, and hedging instruments.

  • Establish backup banking relationships and alternative payment channels to ensure uninterrupted transaction processing.

  • Treasury and Liquidity Management

    • Manage multi-currency liquidity, working capital, cash pooling, and treasury operations across a group of legal entities.

    • Oversee complex international transfers through SWIFT, SEPA, ACH, and other payment networks, prioritizing speed, security, and cost efficiency.

    • Monitor and reduce treasury expenses, including FX spreads, acquiring fees, and banking charges.

    • Compliance, KYC, and Regulatory Strategy

      • Coordinate banking due diligence and maintain effective communication with bank compliance and risk teams.

      • Ensure the long-term stability of banking relationships and payment flows.

      • Support financial restructuring, corporate changes, and related banking and compliance requirements.

      • Financial Systems and Executive Partnership

        • Build integrated treasury and financial processes from the ground up.

        • Partner with founders and senior leadership on unit economics, ROI analysis, and financial modeling.

        • Recruit, lead, and develop the treasury and operational finance team.

        Requirements:

        The ideal candidate combines senior finance leadership experience with strong expertise in international treasury operations, banking infrastructure, and financial compliance. You should bring:

        • At least 5 years of experience as a CFO, VP of Finance, or Head of Treasury in fast-growing businesses.

        • A proven track record of opening corporate bank accounts and establishing efficient payment processes.

        • Deep knowledge of international AML/KYC principles, cross-border compliance, and regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions.

        • Practical experience managing multi-currency funds, foreign exchange exposure, financial settlement instruments, and transaction cost optimization.

        • Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex relationships with banks, legal advisors, and financial service providers.

        • Advanced English proficiency (C1/C2), with the ability to lead detailed, persuasive negotiations independently.

        • Strong strategic thinking, financial judgment, and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, international environment.

        • Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with founders and executive stakeholders.

        Benefits:

        • High level of autonomy: Full ownership of the financial and banking infrastructure, with minimal unnecessary bureaucracy.

        • Meaningful business impact: Direct involvement in launching and scaling new technology businesses serving millions of users.

        • Strong professional environment: Collaboration with experienced founders and talented engineering and marketing professionals.

        • Dedicated platform support: Access to more than 10 specialized teams providing expertise in recruitment, communications, finance, legal matters, and other operational areas.

        • Founder community: Opportunities to exchange practical knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs who have successfully launched multiple businesses.

        • Professional communities: Access to internal groups focused on product, marketing, engineering, and payments.

        • Learning and development: Training programs, professional courses, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

        • Healthcare: Medical insurance.

        • Social impact: The opportunity to contribute to initiatives supporting recovery and addressing the consequences of the war in Ukraine.