Case study

VP of Finance - Energy

South Africa
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THE CHALLENGE

Our client, a prominent energy company with operations across Africa, is on a mission to become Africa’s most respected energy business. In 2023, the company announced its agreement to acquire another significant player in the market. With the upcoming acquisition, the company needed to strengthen its finance leadership team to ensure seamless integration and continued growth. They required two high-caliber professionals: a Vice President of Accounting in situated in Africa and a Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis situated in London. The recruitment challenges included:  

  • The roles demanded individuals with extensive experience in large-scale operations, preferably within the energy sector.  
  • The new hires needed to align with the company’s ambitious growth strategy and possess the capability to lead the expanded finance function.  
  • The acquisition’s timeline required quick action to ensure that the new leaders were onboarded and integrated before the transaction’s completion.

THE SOLUTION

Our recruitment strategy focused on sourcing candidates from major oil companies in both countries, leveraging our extensive network, industry expertise and global network. The steps included:  

  • We identified and approached professionals with proven track records in the energy sector, specifically those with experience in large, multinational companies.  
  • Candidates were evaluated based on their technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership capabilities. Emphasis was placed on their ability to manage complex financial operations and drive business growth.  
  • We ensured that potential candidates aligned with the company’s values and vision, considering the importance of cultural integration in the post-acquisition phase.

THE RESULT

We successfully placed two highly qualified candidates:  

  • Vice President of Accounting in South Africa: A seasoned professional from a leading global oil company, bringing extensive experience in financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls.  
  • Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis in London: An expert in financial strategy and performance management, previously holding a senior role in another major energy corporation.  

Both hires have seamlessly integrated into the company, contributing to:   

  • Enhanced Financial Processes: The implementation of efficient financial processes and controls to support business objectives and mitigate risks.  
  • Strategic Financial Planning: Improved financial planning and analysis capabilities, enabling better decision-making and supporting the company’s growth strategy.  

Their contributions have been essential in ensuring the successful integration of the acquired entity, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading energy provider in Africa.

The impact