Roles and responsibilities
1. Financial Planning and Analysis:
- Develop and implement financial planning processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
- Analyze financial performance against targets and provide insights to senior management for decision-making.
2. Reporting:
- Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS).
3. Cash Flow Management:
- Monitor and manage the organization’s cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operations.
- Develop cash flow forecasts and strategies to optimize working capital.
4. Budgeting:
- Lead the annual budgeting process, coordinating with various departments to gather input and establish financial targets.
- Monitor budget performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
5. Financial Controls:
- Establish and maintain internal financial controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments of financial processes and controls.
6. Cost Management:
- Analyze cost structures and identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
- Implement strategies to optimize expenses and enhance profitability.
7. Investment Management:
- Evaluate investment opportunities and make recommendations for capital expenditures.
- Monitor the performance of investments and assess their alignment with the organization’s financial goals.
8. Risk Management:
- Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and manage financial risk exposure.
9. Team Leadership:
- Manage and develop the finance team, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment within the finance department.
10. Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with senior management to provide financial insights that support strategic initiatives and business decisions.
- Serve as a point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions.
11. Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and international financial regulations and tax laws.
- Maintain accurate financial records and documentation in accordance with legal requirements.
Desired candidate profile
1. Education:
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Advanced Degree: Master’s degree (MBA or MSc in Finance) is preferred.
- Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) are highly advantageous.
2. Professional Experience:
- Experience: 5-8 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting roles, with at least 2-4 years in a managerial or supervisory position.
- Industry Knowledge: Experience in the relevant industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail, services) is preferred, with an understanding of industry-specific financial practices.
3. Core Competencies:
- Financial Acumen: Strong knowledge of financial principles, regulations, and reporting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS).
- Analytical Skills: Proficient in financial analysis, modeling, and forecasting, with the ability to interpret complex data and trends.
4. Technical Skills:
- Software Proficiency: Familiarity with financial software (e.g., ERP systems, accounting software) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Reporting Tools: Experience with data visualization tools and financial reporting software.
5. Leadership and Management:
- Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
- Project Management: Experience in managing financial projects and initiatives from planning through execution.
6. Communication Skills:
- Effective Communicator: Strong verbal and written communication skills for conveying financial information clearly to various stakeholders, including senior management and board members.
- Presentation Skills: Ability to prepare and present financial reports and analyses confidently to non-financial audiences.
7. Strategic Thinking:
- Business Acumen: Understanding of business operations and strategy, with the ability to align financial management with organizational goals.
- Decision-Making: Capacity to make informed financial decisions and provide strategic recommendations to support growth.