Fractional Chief Financial Officer

This is a remote position.

Supporting executive management and project sponsors across a portfolio of ten US projects, this position leads financial management, financial modeling, and strategic transaction execution. The role focuses on developing valuation frameworks, links-based financial models, establishing internal controls, coordinating PCAOB-registered independent audits, and overseeing financial readiness for potential Nasdaq direct listings.

Operating on a flexible, part-time 10-15 hours per week remote basis with working hours aligned with regular United States business hours (5pm - 12pm SAST), you will oversee external service providers across accounting, taxation, and audit disciplines. A primary focus of the role involves executing outreach and negotiating commercial terms with intellectual property owners across universities, research institutions, and enterprises to secure technology licences, assignments, options, and joint ventures.

Key Responsibilities

• Construct valuation and financial models (DCF, comparable transactions, risk-adjusted NPV) incorporating development risks, dilution, and sensitivity scenarios to support licensing and acquisition decisions.

• Lead outreach and commercial negotiations with universities, research institutions, and corporate IP owners to structure and execute IP licenses, assignments, acquisitions, options, and joint ventures.

• Build linked financial forecasts (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) incorporating R&D, clinical, and engineering milestones, while maintaining 13-week cash flow tracking.

• Manage entity ledgers, bookkeepers, reconciliations, intercompany balances, payment controls, and US GAAP reporting to achieve a 10-day monthly close target.

• Appoint and supervise tax preparers to ensure federal, state, franchise, payroll, contractor, and foreign-ownership filings are maintained.

• Source PCAOB-registered audit firms, maintain auditor independence, prepare audit schedules, and resolve queries relating to IP, R&D, and share-based compensation accounting.

• Oversee financial preparations for US public listings in partnership with SEC counsel and listing advisers, maintaining cap tables, transaction accounting, and SEC filing calendars.

• Accept designated appointments as a director, officer, or manager for individual portfolio entities where separately agreed, supporting governance, budgeting, and stakeholder communications.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification (or recognised equivalent) / CA (SA)

• Proven track record in US GAAP compliance, SEC reporting, and advanced Microsoft Excel financial modeling.

• Demonstrated experience building valuation and forecasting models, leading financial preparation for completed US public listings/registrations, and managing issuer audits.

• Strong experience evaluating and negotiating IP licences, acquisitions, or related transactions with universities, research institutions, or commercial enterprises.

• Capability to manage external professional service providers independently and deliver executive recommendations.

• Availability to work remotely with schedule alignment to regular United States business hours.

Desirable Requirements

• Direct experience with US public direct listings.

• Financial management experience within early-stage biotechnology or energy sectors.

• Practical experience serving as a director, officer, or senior manager across multiple corporate entities.

Required Software Skills

• Microsoft Excel.