CFO - Mining

Our client is seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the companys financial planning and reporting, treasury, tax compliance, and investment management. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with deep experience in Gabonese accounting and tax law, demonstrated proficiency in mining sector financial management, and thorough understanding of the Mining Convention (Convention Minière) in Gabon.

The CFO will also play a pivotal role in the financial structuring and oversight of the ongoing construction of a 2x22.5 MVA Submerged Electric Arc Furnace (SEAF) for the upcoming Ferromanganese and Silicon Manganese Smelter Plant.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute the financial strategy aligned with the company's business goals in mining and smelting.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation.
• Drive capital structure optimization, including shareholder equity, debt financing, and project financing for smelter development.

Financial Planning & Control

• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring process.
• Oversee cost control across mining and smelting operations and evaluate CAPEX/OPEX efficiency.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to internal and external stakeholders.

Accounting, Compliance & Taxation

• Ensure accurate and timely accounting and financial reporting in accordance with OHADA accounting standards and Gabonese fiscal regulations.
• Ensure strict compliance with Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) tax codes and related tax regimes under the Mining Convention (e.g., exemptions, VAT credits, customs duties).
• Liaise with government authorities and auditors to address statutory audits, inspections, and financial disclosures.

Project Finance Smelter Construction

• Lead financial modeling, cost tracking, and fund utilization for the smelter plant project.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams for project budgeting and disbursement approvals.
• Ensure timely financial reporting to financiers, development banks, or equity partners associated with the SEAF project.

Treasury & Banking

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and banking operations, including credit lines, hedging, and currency risk.
• Maintain strong relationships with local and international banks, ensuring availability of funds for operational and capital needs.

Legal & Contractual Oversight

• Review and structure financial clauses in commercial contracts, off-take agreements, shareholder loans, and JV partnerships.
• Ensure adherence to the fiscal and financial clauses of the Convention dExploitation Minière à Grande Échelle, including reporting obligations and government revenue shares.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor the finance and accounts team across multiple sites (mining, smelting, and corporate office).
• Foster a culture of financial discipline, compliance, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, ACCA, or equivalent. MBA in Finance is a plus.
• 15+ years in finance with at least 5 years as CFO/Finance Director in mining or industrial sector.
• Strong knowledge of mining sector economics, smelting projects, and financial modeling.
• Thorough understanding of Gabonese accounting & tax codes, OHADA, and Mining Convention.
• Fluent in English; French proficiency is highly preferred.
• Advanced Excel modeling, ERP (SAP/Oracle), and financial reporting tools.
• Willingness to be based in Gabon Franceville Mines site .